Updated: Video Consultations: How do They Work?

The family in this video “met” with me from two different countries. This is the last few minutes of a consultation. The client is talking about meeting with a local IBCLC for follow up to our meeting.

I can do a virtual consultation with you no matter where you are on the planet! We are not limited by long-distance fees—only by time zones and a decent internet connection.

Ideally every breastfeeding parent and infant would have access to high-quality in-person lactation care. The reality is that many people do not have this available in their communities. Virtual consultations are just like in-person consultations except we’re not actually in the same room. They are appropriate for any type of breastfeeding challenges you may have including, latching difficulties, questions about tongue mobility, frenotomy care, sore nipples, milk supply or pumping difficulties. These consultations are not recorded. Continue reading

Frenotomy–Parent Perseverance Pays Off

20140828_095301Breastfeeding always hurt for first- time breastfeeder, Tina. She was given a nipple shield to help with the pain. And it did help. Even so, she knew a nipple shield was not a long-term solution. She kept trying to get rid of the shield. She hated the thing! But every time baby latched without it it, it resulted in intense nipple pain and wounds—her nipple was painfully creased after feedings as well. So, understandably,  she continued to nurse with the shield.

Meanwhile, baby Carolyn wasn’t gaining weight well. At every appointment she was gaining about ½ of expected weight gain. Baby was breastfeeding frequently—over 10x/day and still not gaining appropriately. She was having infrequent bowel movements, was gassy, and uncomfortable. Tina felt that something was very wrong. Continue reading

Guest Post: Baby’s First Table Foods

Untitled design-6The following is a guest post from Beth Martin. Beth is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) and the owner of Small Bites Wellness in Seattle, Washington. She is passionate about whole food nutrition for the whole family and believes that ANY change you make in the pursuit of your health, or your child’s health, is worthy. Health is a journey, not a destination. Thank you Beth, for this great information!

Weeding through the plethora of information on first foods is overwhelming. Rather than worry about or tie yourself to a particular method, I recommend focusing on two things for first foods: Nutrient dense foods to support growth and development, and foods that are appropriate for a developing digestive system.  Continue reading

Guest Post: Two Big Reasons to Skip Rice Cereal

The following is a guest post from Beth Martin. Beth is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) and the owner of Small Bites Wellness in Seattle, Washington. She is passionate about whole food nutrition for the whole family and believes that ANY change you make in the pursuit of your health, or your child’s health, is worthy. Health is a journey, not a destination. Thank you Beth, for this great information!

I recently shared the most common reasons pediatricians recommend rice cereal as a first food for infants.

IMG_1091I advocate feeding children nutrient dense whole foods that naturally contain the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to grow and develop. Rice cereal does not fit into this paradigm as a first food, and here’s why. Continue reading

Guest Post: Why Pediatricians Recommend Rice Cereal (and Why I don’t Agree)

The following is a guest post from Beth Martin. Beth is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) in Seattle, and the owner of Small Bites Wellness. She is passionate about whole food nutrition for the whole family and believes that ANY change you make in the pursuit of your health, or your child’s health, is worthy. Health is a journey, not a destination. Please contact Beth for questions about your family’s nutrition.

IMG_0117For decades, rice cereal has been the recommended first food for infants, sometimes as early as two months of age. In recent years, some doctors, nutritionists and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have begun to change their stance on rice cereal. Continue reading