by Alyssa Veneklase | Jun 19, 2024 | Infant Care and Breastfeeding, Labor and Delivery, Mental Health, Parenting and Child Development
Most books will tell you one “right way” but we don’t believe there is only one way. We know that even within the same family, parents may have to shift parenting styles based on each child’s personality. We know that not everyone plans to breastfeed, and we know that not everyone wants to be an attachment parent.
We met in a coffee shop in 2015 to talk about moms. Why weren’t they being supported after the birth of their baby? Why were women of color more likely to die during childbirth? Why wasn’t anyone talking about postpartum depression? We talked about our personal stories and the lack of resources available to us while pregnant. It was clear that we both had the same goal – to help families, especially mothers, thrive during pregnancy and early parenting.
In 2017 we were working together as co-owners of Gold Coast Doulas, West Michigan’s premier doula agency which had grown to include birth and postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, sleep consultants, and educators. When the pandemic hit, we had clients and students wondering what would happen. We thought a shutdown might last a few weeks but when it was clear it was going to be several months or more, we knew we had to think fast and completely shift the way we thought about our business.
Gold Coast Doulas immediately began to offer virtual birth and postpartum support and classes. We also began working on recording our classes for students to watch from home and offering live phone chats. The Tired as a Mother online series was created in place of in-home consults which were no longer happening. Informed Pregnancy+ now hosts the first in this series on pregnancy and newborn sleep which also offers additional sleep classes that cover through the toddler years.
We realized months in, our pregnant and newly postpartum clients were starved for community and that’s what drove us to create the Becoming a Mother online series. Eventually we wrote a book from that series called Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby (2024.) It’s an all-encompassing guide to pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. It’s the book we wished we had when pregnant!
We took a decade of working with clients and students, personal experiences, evidence-based resources and information, and client stories, and brought them all together into one easy-to-read guide. We believe there is no other book like it. It gives an overview of several options, so mothers and parents can make their own informed choices. Most books will tell you one “right way” but we don’t believe there is only one way. We know that even within the same family, parents may have to shift parenting styles based on each child’s personality. We know that not everyone plans to breastfeed, and we know that not everyone wants to be an attachment parent.
Mothers can read a book and end up feeling guilty or defeated before they even begin. With sleep books, for instance, parents might try one method and if it doesn’t work, they believe they’ve failed. Or if the method is too difficult, they may give up, again feeling like they’ve failed. When a book (or person or group) gives you only one solution, that can be very damaging. If that one way doesn’t work, what is a parent supposed to do?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting. We want you to understand what resources are available to you, what circumstances may arise, and what choices you may have to make. We want to give you the tools to make educated decisions and learn to trust your instincts.
Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby is the book we hope every new mother reads. We know it sure would have changed our pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys if we had this available to us when we needed it!
Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase are the co-authors of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby. Kristin is the owner of Gold Coast Doulas, a Certified Elite Birth and Postpartum Doula, a Newborn Care Specialist, and a Baby Registry Expert. Alyssa is a Certified Elite Postpartum Doula, Certified Sleep Consultant, and Newborn Care Specialist. They both teach The Becoming a Mother online series.
by Kristina Marusic | Nov 8, 2023 | Health Conditions, Infant Care and Breastfeeding, Pregnancy
Even when chemicals are tested and found to be dangerous, they generally stay on the market — at least in the U.S. The World Health Organization has identified at least 100 manufactured chemicals that can cause cancer in humans, but only five have been removed from U.S. markets in the last 50 years.
Rates of childhood cancer across the globe have been rising since researchers started tracking the disease in the 1970s.
Today, one in 285 Americans are diagnosed with cancer before turning 20, and cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for American children.
One likely contributor is a rapid increase in chemical manufacturing. In the last 100 years, more than 300,000 new manufactured chemicals have been invented. Many of them have improved our lives, but most new chemicals are never tested for safety, and fewer than 20% are evaluated for their potential to harm fetuses, infants, and children.
Even when chemicals are tested/ found to be dangerous, they generally stay on the market — at least in the U.S. The World Health Organization has identified at least 100 manufactured chemicals that can cause cancer in humans, but only five have been removed from U.S. markets in the last 50 years.
We need to do a better job of testing and regulating chemicals that could harm children. In the meantime, there are some simple steps that expectant parents can take to reduce the risk of childhood cancer.
Pollutants Linked to Childhood Cancer
There are three major categories of pollutants with robust scientific evidence linking exposure with common childhood cancers: Pesticides, paints and solvents, and traffic-related air pollution.
A 2021 meta-analysis looked at 55 studies from more than 30 countries and found that exposure to pesticides is clearly linked to higher risk of childhood leukemia. The link existed for exposures that happen in infancy and childhood, but was actually strongest for maternal exposures during pregnancy. Expectant parents can avoid exposure to pesticides by avoiding using them in their home or in their yards. It’s also important to eat organic foods whenever possible.
The second is traffic-related air pollution. Several independently conducted meta-analyses have linked exposure to traffic-related air pollution with increased risk of childhood leukemia. Living near a major roadway or highway poses the greatest risk. If that can’t be avoided, filtering indoor air regularly can go a long way toward reducing harmful exposures.
The third category is paints and solvents. Numerous meta-analyses have shown a link between exposure and childhood leukemia, particularly for maternal exposures both before and during pregnancy. Expectant parents can reduce exposures by wearing the best-available protective gear. Particularly if they’re regularly exposed to paints or solvents in their workplace. They can avoid using these products at home leading up to and during pregnancy. They may even stay out of their home while these products are used. Additionally they can thoroughly ventilate the house for as long as possible after their use.
Reducing Overall Exposure to Potentially Harmful Chemicals
Once children are in the house, there are other simple steps to reduce their overall exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. These include choosing a home water filter that’s effective at removing chemicals that raise cancer risk, not heating food in plastic, switching to nontoxic cosmetics, personal care, and cleaning products, and filtering indoor air regularly.
KRISTINA MARUSIC is an award-winning journalist at Environmental Health Sciences who covers environmental health and justice at EHN.org and DailyClimate.org. Her research into cancer-causing chemicals and exposures lead to her new book, A New War on Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention (Island Press / May 11, 2023 / $28). Kristina holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from the University of San Francisco, and her personal essays and reporting have been published by outlets including CNN, Slate, Vice, Women’s Health, The Washington Post, MTV News, The Advocate, and Bustle, among others.
by Ashley Georgakopoulos | Oct 11, 2023 | Health Conditions, Infant Care and Breastfeeding
By Ashley Georgakopoulos, IBCLC
“The breasts are not an empty cavity to be filled with milk, but contain a network filled with alveoli that can be found even in the uppermost part of the breast tissues leading into the armpits. The ducts leading from these, channel the milk to meet behind the nipple inside the areola area, and release.”
Milk flow obstruction often results from milk not fully draining from the breast, causing inflammation and tenderness. If left unaddressed, clogged ducts can develop into more severe issues like mastitis, underscoring the importance of prompt and effective resolution.
Clogged, blocked, and plugged ducts. There are many terms for the same problem. Restricted milk flow, or “milk stasis”, leading from the milk-storing alveoli (those grape-like clusters in the breasts), may lead to a fatty blockage that soon becomes painful, and even infectious mastitis, if not treated quickly enough. These clogs can very well lead to other problems and occurrences, including lower supply thresholds, nerve pain in the breast tissue, lessened pumping output and bruising sensations.
The breasts are not an empty cavity to be filled with milk, but contain a network filled with alveoli that can be found even in the uppermost part of the breast tissues leading into the armpits. The ducts leading from these, channel the milk to meet behind the nipple inside the areola area, and release. Too much compression without proper release, be it due to improper bra fitting or tight, shallow latching, can cause buildup to occur. Poor suction from latching or pumping can also prevent proper drainage which leaves behind the fattier part of the milk and may lead to the same problem.
This “network” is also designed to be tapped into frequently. If milk is allowed to sit and settle for too long, say during block feeding versus feeding frequently and on demand, the risk for blockage to occur drastically increases.
Causes of Clogged Milk Ducts
Some of the most common reasons behind clogs are:
- Poor latching – shallow, weak, uncomfortable
- Restrictive clothing and bras
- Block feeding/feeding schedules
- Incorrect flange fit or pumping technique, if pumping
- Nipple damage/blebs- secondary issues from poor latching
- Abrupt weaning
- Long stretches in between pumping, 4+ hours
- Fibroids in the breast tissue pushing on ducts/channels
- Lowered immune system
- High stress
- Thrush or bacterial infections
Symptoms of Clogged Milk Ducts
Most women can feel the backed-up milk occurring with a clog. Clogs can be anything from a tender knot in the deep tissue to a blocked outlet on the nipple, also known as a bleb. Pain may also occur while hand expressing or having a letdown, as other channels push up against it. While a small fever may occur due to localized inflammation, clogged ducts are mostly a nuisance and a pain more than anything else. Symptoms beyond these are more in line with mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue, and need immediate attention. Expressed milk may show strings or a grainy appearance. While this may look unappetizing, it’s completely safe to give to your baby.
Treatment for Clogged Milk Ducts
Treating clogged milk ducts involves a combination of strategies to alleviate discomfort and restore milk flow. Effective methods include frequent nursing or pumping sessions to empty the breast, using warm compresses before feeding to encourage milk flow, gentle massage towards the nipple during feeds, and ensuring proper latch and positioning. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers can aid in reducing inflammation. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is recommended to prevent complications like Mastitis.
The most common forms of treatment involve warm compression, massage and nursing through it while massaging the area during the feed, however, other methods have also been shown to be effective:
- Epsom soaks – dangling the breasts in a tub of warm water with epsom salt can encourage release of the clog.
- Dangle feeding – lying baby down on a safe surface and dangling over to feed.
- Vibration and gently shaking the breast are both ways to break up a clog.
- Lecithin – a fat constituent found in foods and supplement form, such as sunflower and soy, known to help emulsify fatty milk for easier release.
- Pump – if the baby does not feed well or has already fed, pump immediately after a feed to encourage more thorough emptying and clog removal.
- Stay hydrated – this is important in flushing out potential infectious tendencies.
- Rest- really prioritize rest and recovery.
- Pain relievers can be used, just check with your care provider and utilize resources, like LactMed, for safety while breastfeeding.
- Antibiotics are NOT needed unless it progresses into mastitis.
Another important note – while massage is a primary go-to for dealing with clogs, it’s crucial to realize that the clog is in FRONT of the backed-up milk, which is the knot most feel. Massaging in front of the knot will release the clog faster, while pushing behind it may be adding to the milk back-up.
Prevention
While clogs may happen regardless of effort, there are ways to help prevent them.
- Avoid block feeding or strict schedule regimens that space out expression opportunities more than 4 hours apart
- Don’t pressure “sleeping through the night,” neither mom’s supply or the baby is designed for that
- Ensure proper latching, so as to tap into all of the milk stores
Preventing clogged milk ducts involves maintaining a consistent breastfeeding or pumping routine, ensuring proper latch and positioning to facilitate efficient milk drainage, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing that might impede milk flow. Adequate hydration and proper self-care, including managing stress levels, also play crucial roles in preventing duct blockages. Being attuned to your body and seeking assistance from a lactation consultant if issues arise can further help in proactively preventing clogged milk ducts. Addressing latching issues as quickly as possible will not only help with frequently-occurring clogs, but help prevent them from happening again. If clogged ducts are a common occurrence, rule out latching and mechanical feeding problems.
If pumping, take time to learn proper handling and technique, and just as important, flange-sizing. Just like with a shallow latch or too much compression, a flange that is too big or too small will cause the same problems. Adjust strength settings to a comfortable level to avoid compression of the ducts.
Ashley Georgakopoulos is the Lactation Director at Motif Medical and an IBCLC. Her focus is in the clinical management of breastfeeding and pumping. Ashley is also a mother who has dealt with the obstacles and joys of breastfeeding. She educates families, connects them to resources, and helps the next generation be as healthy as possible: nutritionally and sustainably.
www.motifmedical.com
by Ria Safford | Oct 4, 2023 | Family and Relationships, Infant Care and Breastfeeding, Parenting and Child Development
“It can be overwhelming when you have a variety of sizes of clothing or toys for different developmental stages and are trying to set them up in your spaces. You only need visible and accessible items that you and your baby need currently.”
Becoming a parent is undoubtedly one of the biggest adjustments you will make in your life. Not only will the routines of your day to day change drastically, but the routines within your home and spaces will too. With a new baby comes stuff, a LOT, of stuff. It is good to have a plan in place before the baby’s arrival so you can eliminate the stress of “what do I do with all of this?!”
Here are five simple steps you can take to set up your home for new parent success!
RESET YOUR CURRENT INVENTORY
Your home and its contents become far less overwhelming when you know what you have. Set aside time to assess your items throughout the home to see if anything can be tossed, donated or stored away. This task also allows you to understand what you are missing that you need for this next chapter of life.
PREP, PREP, PREP
You will want to soak in all of the beautiful baby cuddles and bonding time you can after birth and there are simple things you can do to be more prepared on the home front.
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- Wash and put away newborn clothes
- Create diaper caddies throughout the home
- Setup a feeding station with essentials like burp cloths, snacks, pump, reading material, etc.
- Create a feminine care station in the bathroom for postpartum needs
- Freeze make-ahead meals
- Lean on your village of people and don’t be afraid to ask for help with older kids, housekeeping, meals, etc.
- Game plan with your spouse/partner to be on same page when it comes to expectations, emotional support and division of labor
KEEP YOUR SPACES CURRENT
This is a very important tip. It can be overwhelming when you have a variety of sizes of clothing or toys for different developmental stages and are trying to set them up in your spaces. You only need visible and accessible items that you and your baby need currently. This allows your spaces to not become overpacked and unmanageable. The more you can see, the more you will use and the better you will maintain your space. Items for future use can be stored away.
SAFETY FIRST
While a lot of baby-proofing tasks can be put off for when your baby is running and climbing around, there are small things you should do even before the infant stage. Babies, even as infants, want to touch, taste and feel everything around them. You will want to assess what they could come in contact with and remove any potentially harmful items. This is a good time to swap out harsh cleaning products for natural ones.
NURSERY ORGANIZATION
The nursery is one of the only spaces that you anticipate what your routines will be and rather than organizing based off of the way you already use the room. This space will inevitably evolve as you settle into your new normal but we want it to be streamlined and routine-ready. In the middle of the night when there is a blowout diaper and a hungry baby, knowing what you need and where to find it is crucial.
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- File-fold onesies and clothing in drawers for easy visibility
- Designate top dresser drawer for all diaper changing needs
- Label the inside of drawers to hold you accountable when putting items away and to make for easier finding
- Add some baby hangers for items you will want hung
- Bin and label any clothing your baby needs to grow into
- Create a “too-small” bin for any clothing your child grows out of–when the bin is full, that is your cue to donate, store or give to a friend.
The little things really do add up and will bring a big sigh of relief once you have tackled these to-dos before your baby’s arrival. There is so much that will be out of your control during baby’s first years—take the reins on what you can control—your home.
Ría Safford is a Cuban-American mom of three. She is the founder and CEO of RíOrganize, a company offering full-service luxury organization and relocation to families across the United States. Ría has organized spaces for A-list clients and for everyday families who are desperate for more streamlined systems in their homes. Ria’s own organization journey began when she became a new mom and felt overwhelmed by all the mess accumulating in her house. She set out to calm the chaos and help families everywhere reduce stress and create routine-ready spaces that make managing life with little ones easier. Ría has partnered with iDesign to create a collection of organization products sold on Amazon. Ría has 322K+ fans following her on Instagram for organization inspiration and advice. She also just wrote her first book, The Organized Home for New Parents.
by Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi, DDS | Sep 27, 2023 | Health Conditions, Infant Care and Breastfeeding
Diagnosing tongue and lip ties goes beyond physical appearance; it primarily revolves around assessing the restriction’s impact on functional movement. The evaluation focuses on how the tongue can move rather than just its appearance. Each case requires a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Navigating Infant Tongue Ties: Insights from a Specialist and Mom
Becoming a parent is an extraordinary journey, filled with boundless joy, endless wonder, and an unwavering commitment to provide the best care for our precious little ones. I’m Dr. Nora Zaghi, a board-certified pediatric dentist specializing in infant tongue ties and integrative dentistry. I want to share my personal experience as a mom of a two-month-old baby, whose tongue tie I recently released, and of a three year old who also had a tongue tie at birth, and provide valuable insights into the world of infant tongue ties and how they impact breastfeeding.
My Tongue Tie Journey as a Mother:
When my first baby was born, I was filled with immense gratitude as I watched him latch onto my breast effortlessly. However, that initial joy quickly turned into excruciating pain, bleeding nipples, and painful cracks. I knew something wasn’t right – my baby had a tongue tie. Sadly, this is an issue I encounter far too often in my practice. If I hadn’t had the knowledge of ties and previous experience I, too, would have severed my own breastfeeding journey due to the struggles I was experiencing, just as many others do.
Not all babies with tongue ties and lip ties face breastfeeding challenges. Some manage to attach and feed adequately, leading to the misconception that everything is fine. However, many infants encounter breastfeeding difficulties linked to these oral restrictions. Below are some telltale signs that may indicate the presence of tongue and lip ties, though it’s crucial to note that these signs can also be related to other breastfeeding issues.
Symptoms include:
- Noisy suckling or clicking sounds
- Frequent on-and-off breastfeeding
- Flattened nipples after breastfeeding
- Leaking milk from the sides of the mouth
- Poor weight gain in the baby
- Coughing or gagging during feeds
- Lip blisters
- Gas pain in the infant
- Snoring or noisy breathing sounds during sleep
- Reflux or colic symptoms
- Prolonged feedings
- Inadequate breast drainage
- Decreased milk production
Diagnosing tongue and lip ties goes beyond physical appearance; it primarily revolves around assessing the restriction’s impact on functional movement. The evaluation focuses on how the tongue can move rather than just its appearance. Each case requires a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Frenectomies: A Solution for Tongue Ties
Frenectomies, also known as tie releases, involve the removal of the tight frenulum or tissue under the tongue or upper lip. In my practice, this procedure uses state-of-the-art laser technology to perform safe and efficient procedures that improve tongue and lip mobility.
Besides addressing breastfeeding challenges, frenectomies can also prevent other health issues, such as mouth breathing, high narrow palates, tooth crowding, speech difficulties, and oral motor dysfunction. Opting for a laser procedure offers several advantages, including minimal discomfort and bleeding, enhanced precision and visibility for complete removal, faster healing, and improved hemostasis.
As a specialist in infant frenectomy, I firmly believe in taking an integrative approach to oral health and overall well-being. By addressing tongue ties and their effects on feeding, sleep, and breathing, we can promote better oral development and lay the foundation for a healthier future.
As a parent, witnessing your child struggle with breastfeeding challenges can be overwhelming. However, understanding the significance of tongue ties and seeking the expertise of a board-certified pediatric dentist and collaborative team of lactation providers, bodyworkers, and feeding therapists can bring relief and pave the way for a smoother feeding, sleep, and breathing journey.
Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi, resides in Westwood, Los Angeles, CA, with her husband, Soroush Zaghi, an ENT and Medical Director of The Breathe Institute, and their two sons, Maxim and Matisse. Dr. Nora’s dedication to assisting babies with functional challenges due to oral restrictions evolved into a fervent passion following her personal breastfeeding journey with her firstborn. She acquired her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the USC Ostrow School of Dentistry and further honed her skills in Pediatric Dentistry at UNLV, earning a post-graduate specialty certificate.
by Dr. Meghna Dassani, DMD | Sep 13, 2023 | Health Conditions, Infant Care and Breastfeeding, Parenting and Child Development
“Parents and healthcare providers need to take pediatric OSA seriously. But they should also know that the condition is highly manageable with the right treatment. Diagnosing pediatric OSA typically involves a comprehensive sleep study called polysomnography. This test monitors several physiological parameters during sleep, including brain waves, heart rate, oxygen levels, and respiratory patterns.”
Quality sleep is vital for children’s healthy growth and development. Unfortunately, some children have trouble achieving restful sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder affecting between 1.2% and 5.7% of children of all ages.
Early detection and effective management of pediatric sleep apnea are important to ensure children can breathe freely and get the rest they need. Left untreated, pediatric OSA can have serious consequences, including:
- Impaired growth and cognitive development
- Learning difficulties
- Cardiovascular problems, like hypertension
- Behavioral issues
- Increased risk of accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness
What Is Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Pediatric OSA is characterized by a partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep. It results in repeated episodes of interrupted breathing, leading to brief periods of breathing cessation (apnea) or shallow breathing (hypopnea). These episodes can occur multiple times during the night and last for several seconds to minutes.
Airway obstruction typically occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing the soft tissues, such as the tonsils or adenoids, to collapse and block the airway. This can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and disrupted sleep patterns. Pediatric OSA often arises from the following:
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Obesity
- Structural abnormalities, such as a tongue tie, narrow airway, or cleft palate
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of pediatric OSA is important for early detection and intervention.
One of the primary indications of pediatric OSA is persistent and loud snoring. Occasional snoring is normal. However, chronic and intense snoring in children should raise concerns for parents.
Other symptoms to watch out for include:
- Restless sleep
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Bedwetting
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mouth breathing
- Morning headaches
If parents observe these signs, they should talk to a healthcare professional and ask for a sleep evaluation.
How to diagnose pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Parents and healthcare providers need to take pediatric OSA seriously. But they should also know that the condition is highly manageable with the right treatment. Diagnosing pediatric OSA typically involves a comprehensive sleep study called polysomnography. This test monitors several physiological parameters during sleep, including brain waves, heart rate, oxygen levels, and respiratory patterns. A sleep study helps determine the severity and underlying causes of obstructive sleep apnea, enabling the development of an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment options for children with OSA
The management of pediatric OSA may involve several approaches, depending on the child’s specific needs.
In cases where enlarged tonsils or adenoids are identified as the primary cause, doctors may recommend surgical intervention through an adenotonsillectomy. This is the most common way to treat pediatric OSA. The procedure removes the airway obstruction, allowing for improved airflow and a reduction of sleep apnea symptoms.
Some children have structural abnormalities, like a tongue tie or narrow airway, that can lead to OSA. In these cases, doctors may suggest a tongue release, also known as frenuloplasty, or the use of expanders to widen the upper jaw.
For children with persistent sleep apnea or underlying factors, like obesity, additional interventions may be necessary. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management programs, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
In some instances, doctors may prescribe continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP involves wearing a mask during sleep that delivers a gentle flow of air. It ensures that children’s airways remain open and unobstructed.
Creating an optimal sleep environment is also important for children with OSA. Establishing consistent bedtime routines, creating a comfortable sleep space, and promoting good sleep hygiene all contributes to a better sleep quality. Limiting screen time before bedtime and maintaining a regular sleep schedule also improves sleep patterns.
Parents should follow up regularly with healthcare providers to monitor the effectiveness of their child’s treatment and make any necessary changes. Open communication with children about their sleep experiences and any changes in symptoms is also important. Parents who provide emotional support and reassurance can help children cope with managing their sleep apnea.
Dr. Meghna Dassani has practiced dentistry for over two decades and is passionate about the role dentists play in whole-body health. She earned her DMD at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and opened Dassani Dentistry in Houston, TX in 2011. You can learn more on her website: MeghnaDassani.com.
