by Elliot Berlin | May 22, 2024 | Expectations, Health Conditions, Mental Health, Parenting and Child Development
When I tell people about my face blindness, I often get a three-pronged reaction. First, they think I’m either joking or lying. Once they realize I’m serious and not exaggerating, they start to wonder how this condition impacts my life.
Ten years ago I found out that I have something in common with Brad Pitt (besides the obvious) and Victoria—Crown Princess of Sweden. It’s a bit of a story.
Even after the revelation, experiences continue to surprise me. A few years back, I attended a particularly moving birth. My client, Sandra, was determined to fully experience the raw sensations of labor and embrace each moment without any desire to numb herself to the process. Upon my arrival at the hospital, she was in active labor, with intense waves surging through her body every three minutes. Sandra’s resilience and sheer determination in embracing each surge left me deeply inspired by the powerful essence of her spirit and the support from her husband was heartening, his presence a pillar of strength.
I don’t think Sandra needed anyone to help her but she wanted support. In addition to her husband and I, there was also an amazing labor and delivery nurse. The four of us were together in a darkened hospital room, illuminated only by flickering LED tea candles and the soft glow from electronic monitors. The playlist, consisting mostly of African drumming, provided natural rhythmic beats—a meditative backdrop to Sandra’s primal moans and earthy groans. For nearly three timeless hours, the scene remained beautifully unchanged, a testament to undisturbed labor, with Sandra receiving exactly what she wanted from our trio of support: love and affection from her husband, clear explanations and reassurance from the nurse, and hands-on support from me—including counter pressure, reflexology, head and jaw releases, and comforting touch massage. The whole experience was magical, and I was in awe of how incredible the nurse was. She was with us nearly the entire time, only stepping out briefly on a few occasions. She was doula-like and seemed to intuitively know just what to say to keep Sandra feeling safe, confident, and empowered. Many nurses are great but this one was above and beyond. I hoped to have an opportunity to meet her, get to know her background and work together again.
At a quiet moment when Sandra stepped into the restroom, I seized the opportunity to introduce myself to this exceptional nurse. Just as I was about to extend my hand, she greeted me with a warm smile and exclaimed, ‘Hi Elliot! How are Alyssa and the kids?’ Her immediate recognition caught me off guard. How could she know me so well, already when she was completely new to me? Such an awkward moment—and also the story of my life.
Since as early as I can remember, I’ve struggled with social awkwardness, particularly in groups. I generally felt out of place but could never pinpoint why. In high school, I realized that whenever I entered a room, it seemed as though I didn’t know anyone. Even when people approached and spoke to me with familiarity, I couldn’t remember their names—or so I thought. The truth was more profound: I couldn’t remember their faces. In fact, I am unable to recognize anyone’s face, not even those of my wife and kids, and sometimes, not even my own.
I was 39 when I stumbled upon a life-changing article in The New Yorker by Oliver Sacks, a renowned neurologist known for his deep dives into the quirkiest corners of human psychology. Reading his exploration of prosopagnosia, I had an epiphany: the social awkwardness I’d experienced wasn’t unique to me; it had a name and was shared by many others, including celebrities like Brad Pitt and Crown Princess Victoria.
Prosopagnosia means I struggle to recognize faces. I can see a face while I’m looking at it, but as soon as I close my eyes, the image vanishes completely. There’s no memory of what the face looks like. When I see it again, it’s as if it’s the first time every time—I have no idea to whom the face belongs. I’ve waved at strangers thinking they were my kids, and I’ve had trouble recognizing my own mother at the airport more times than I care to admit. These mix-ups, while often embarrassing, have eventually become a source of humor and a unique way to connect with people. I can tell my neighbors apart by the pets they walk and I can identify someone much better by their voice or their laugh than by their face.
Ever since I could talk, I’ve used humor to navigate social interactions, often trying to elicit a laugh when I first meet someone to help recognize them in future encounters. Imagine the scene: I’m in Trader Joe’s, and someone gives me an unexpected, enthusiastic hug. If I can crack a joke and prompt a laugh, I might just be able to place who is embracing me and why. This ongoing pursuit of finding the funny in everyday situations is precisely why I prefer shopping at Trader Joe’s—Whole Foods is just too serious.
My habit of constantly shooting off “dad jokes” (even before I became a dad) is a coping mechanism but it has also carved a path for me into the world of stand-up comedy. In the context of my area of expertise, comedy helps break the ice for new and expectant parents who often grapple with the challenges of the journey to and through parenthood. My live show, “Kid*ding: Comedy About Having Kids,” is as therapeutic for me as it is for the audience. It’s not just about sharing laughs; it’s about fostering a deeper empathy and connection with my audience. The stage allows me to engage, entertain, and offer comfort by addressing the universal hurdles of fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and parenting in a fun, light-hearted way.
When I tell people about my face blindness, I often get a three-pronged reaction. First, they think I’m either joking or lying. Once they realize I’m serious and not exaggerating, they start to wonder how this condition impacts my life. Besides the awkward social interactions, I often explain that it makes watching television and movies extremely difficult. House of Cards is a show I had a lot of trouble with. When a character left the screen and returned, it was like seeing them for the first time again. I’d ask, “Is that the doctor?” only to be told, “No, that’s the plumber!” This can be a challenge for my wife and others, as I constantly need help identifying characters. Luckily, I sometimes come across shows where each character has such distinct physical characteristics that it makes it a lot easier. Breaking Bad was great at this but because those shows are rare, watching TV generally feels like hard work and is not relaxing so I often skip it altogether – something you might not expect from someone so passionate about media.
Not everyone has the privilege of living and working in one of the media capitals of the world like I do but my unique position has meant that over the years, some of my writer friends have worked my condition into popular shows.
An episode of the legal drama Rizzoli & Isles features a murder witness with face blindness and as a fun tidbit, they even named the character Elliot as a tribute to me. This episode, titled “Face Value,” (Ssn 6, Ep 6) uses the condition as a great plot device and it helped raise awareness at the same time. Similarly, when my friend Jeff Astroff created the murder trial comedy Trial and Error starring John Lithgow, his knowledge (and curiosity) of my experiences inspired him to give the condition to one of the main characters. This character, played by Sherri Shepherd, added a unique and humorous twist to the show.
Prosopagnosia affects approximately 2% of the population (Source: Harvard Medical School) and ranges in severity. Some people only have difficulty vaguely recognizing somewhat familiar faces, while others struggle to recognize faces of close friends and family members. Many people with prosopagnosia don’t know why they struggle or that the condition exists—let alone that they have it. It has become a bit of a mission of mine to help people who have it better understand their lives and for those around us to become familiar with our challenges so they can help us cope
On the bright side, I believe this condition has also enhanced my other senses and my intuitive understanding of people’s emotions and physical states. As a chiropractor, especially a pregnancy-focused chiropractor, this heightened awareness helps me tune into subtle cues that might indicate discomfort or stress in my patients, aiding in my holistic mind-and-body approach to their care.
Parenting with prosopagnosia presents its own set of challenges and rewards. Recognizing my children primarily by their laughter, unique movements, expressions, conversation undertones, and body language has drawn me closer to them. This heightened sensitivity to non-visual cues has deepened my appreciation for their individual quirks and personalities, allowing me to connect with them on a profound level. I tune into the subtle nuances of their voices, their distinct reactions to situations, and their specific mannerisms, all of which paint a vivid picture of who they are beyond appearances. It’s a reminder that our connections run deeper than what we see on the surface.
Before I wrap up, I want to give a special shout out to our streaming platform Informed Pregnancy +, particularly our stand-up comedy special “You Did This To Me” featuring a very pregnant Kira Soltanovich. Kira gets real with the trials and tribulations of pregnancy, birthing, and raising kids. Also, check out our newly added documentary film “The Face of Birth.” This film offers a big-picture look at the importance of respecting and protecting a woman’s right to choose how, where, and with whom she gives birth. A must-see for anyone interested in empowering women in childbirth, it will encourage and inspire all who are on the journey towards parenthood. And yes, I shamelessly plug it because it has the word “face” in the title.
So, if I know you well and I walk right by you in public and completely ignore you, it’s not because I’m a jerk—it’s because of my face blindness. This condition can be challenging, but it also gives me unique strengths. The understanding, empathy, and connections it fosters reminds me to look beyond appearances and cherish the deeper essence of those around me. Every interaction is a chance to connect in meaningful ways, making my journey all the more rewarding.
Until next time.
Yours in Health,
Dr. B
Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC is an award-winning pregnancy-focused chiropractor and creator of Informed Pregnancy Media which includes his popular long-running The Informed Pregnancy Podcast in addition to a blog and a number of original shows featured on his streaming channel Informed Pregnancy+. Dr. Berlin’s goal is to use his passion for media and entertainment as a means of spreading information and awareness on topics that growing families need to make informed choices about fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
by Kimberly Isburg | Mar 6, 2024 | Health Conditions, Parenting and Child Development, Pregnancy
“As your pregnancy progresses, you will begin to feel your baby move more and more. What starts out as light flutters or “butterflies” in the second trimester will eventually become noticeable kicks, jabs, and rolls as you enter the third trimester of pregnancy. Around 24-28 weeks babies get into a noticeable pattern of movements. Kick counting is the practice of becoming familiar with your baby’s normal movement patterns.”
What is Count the Kicks?
Count the Kicks is a program that teaches expectant parents a simple and easy method to get to know their baby’s normal movement patterns in the third trimester of pregnancy. Count the Kicks has a FREE pregnancy app (available in 15+ languages) that makes it easy to count how long it takes your baby to move 10 times and to rate the strength of your baby’s movements.
How do I Count the Kicks?
Starting at 28 weeks (or 26 weeks if you’re high-risk or pregnant with multiples) you can download the free Count the Kicks app, print out a paper chart, or use the web counter from a desktop or laptop computer. Pick a time of day when your baby is normally active and then sit with your feet up or lie on your side.
Then, open your app and start counting, then tap the footprint on the app every time your baby moves (kicks, pokes, jabs, and rolls all count!). The only movements that don’t count are hiccups, because those are involuntary.
The app will time how long it takes your baby to reach 10 movements, and then ask you to rate the strength of your baby’s movements on a scale of 1 to 5. You can also take notes in the app after each session (like what you ate that day or questions you want to ask your provider). After a few days of tracking around the same time each day, you will begin to see an average length of time it takes your baby to get to 10 movements.
What is considered normal?
Every baby and every pregnancy are different. Research has moved away from the idea that you should expect a certain number of movements in a specific period of time. Instead, the key is getting to know what’s normal for YOUR baby.
So, your baby’s normal is the average amount of time it takes your baby to move 10 times each session. Remember to count your baby’s movements around the same time every day and pick a time when your baby is normally active (like after dinner, for example.)
Why should I Count the Kicks?
Babies are a lot like us! Research shows a change in a baby’s movements is sometimes the earliest or only sign there might be an issue with a pregnancy. Just like when you’re not feeling well, you may want to sit on the couch or lie in bed. So, if a baby is not feeling well or is in distress, their movement changes. This is why it’s important to monitor your baby’s movement every day in the third trimester and get yourself and your baby checked right away if you notice any changes.
What are the benefits of kick counting?
Counting your baby’s kicks, jabs, pokes, and rolls is a free, easy, and reliable way to check on your baby’s well-being in the third trimester. Additionally, most Count the Kicks app users (77%) report that using the app daily helped reduce their anxiety about the well-being of their baby.
Counting your baby’s movements is also a great way to bond with your baby and get to know their personality before they arrive. You can even invite your partner or your older children to help you count your baby’s movements! It can be a fun bonding experience for the entire family.
What should I do if I notice a change?
Don’t delay! Trust your instincts and go to the hospital right away if you notice a change in the strength of your baby’s movements or how long it takes your baby to get to 10 movements. Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are ready to help.
Your baby’s movements matter!
If your provider doesn’t talk to you about kick-counting, it doesn’t mean it’s not important. It’s OK to bring up Count the Kicks with your provider and ask to show them your baby’s data in the app. You can even text or email your data directly from your app to your provider!
Also, remember to ask your provider how to contact them if you have concerns and ask when they recommend you go directly to the hospital.
Spread the word!
Count the Kicks is proven to improve birth outcomes for moms and babies. You can join us in helping more babies have a safe arrival by sharing Count the Kicks with every expectant parent you know. Congrats, and remember: Every kick (jab, poke, and roll) counts!
Kimberly Isburg is the Communications Manager for Healthy Birth Day, Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that created the Count the Kicks stillbirth prevention program. Kimberly used Count the Kicks to get to know her babies’ normal movement patterns during both of her pregnancies and is proud to be the mom of two healthy boys. She is a passionate advocate for maternal health causes and is honored to work for an organization that is dedicated to improving birth outcomes and saving the lives of moms and babies. Visit www.CountTheKicks.org to learn more.
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 Needed (Sponsor) | Oct 25, 2023 | Fitness & Nutrition, Health Conditions, Parenting and Child Development, Pregnancy
We love fall for the cozy drinks and sweater weather, but we don’t love the thought of sickness that tends to spread this time of year. It can be tough to know what to do to support your immune health during this time, especially when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or have little ones at home. Here are 9 pregnancy safe tips to naturally support your immune health.
We love fall for the cozy drinks and sweater weather, but we don’t love the thought of sickness that tends to spread this time of year. It can be tough to know what to do to support your immune health during this time, especially when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or have little ones at home. Here are 9 pregnancy safe tips to naturally support your immune health.
1. Get Key Vitamins and Minerals
We already know how important it is to get your vitamins and minerals during pregnancy and through the years before and after baby. But it is especially important to make sure you’re getting enough of the key nutrients to support immune health. These include Vitamins A, C, and D, and Zinc.
How do you do it?
Prioritize fresh, whole foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, pastured poultry and eggs, and grass fed meat. Since food alone often isn’t enough, be sure to supplement with a high quality multivitamin that contains optimal forms and dosages, like the Prenatal Multi and Women’s Multi from Needed.
2. Don’t Skip The Omegas
Healthy fats don’t often come to mind when you think about immune health, but the reality is that they are key to an optimally functioning immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular are known to support the body’s immune response.
How do you do it?
Omega-3 fats are found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon and sardines. While they are found in certain nuts and seeds, like flax seed, hemp seeds, and walnuts, these plant sources contain the Omega-3 form of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). This form must be converted in the body to a more usable form, and that conversion is quite inefficient (less than 10%).
If eating fatty fish a few times a week isn’t realistic for you, consider a high quality Omega-3 supplement, like Needed’s Omega-3+. This algae-based vegan Omega-3 contains DHA, EPA, Choline, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin.
3. Consider Pregnancy Safe Herbs and Spices
Many herbs and spices have natural immune supportive properties. They can be found in a number of supplements, but tend to be highly concentrated and quite potent. This type of supplement generally isn’t well studied in pregnancy, but amounts used in cooking and baking are considered safe while also conferring a benefit to immune health.
How do you do it?
Cook with supportive herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric. They add lots of flavor alongside their immune health benefits.
You can also take a pregnancy-safe supplement like Needed’s Immune Support. It contains highly concentrated Elderberry that is safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding mamas and their kids.
4. Support Your Gut
Immune health is closely tied to gut health. A healthy microbiome supports your immune system as 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.
How do you do it?
Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi, and consider a supplement. A good probiotic supplement can help introduce strains into your system with specific benefits that aren’t found in foods. Needed’s Pre/Probiotic contains targeted strains to support gut health, and Needed’s Immune Support contains prebiotics and postbiotics for a comprehensive approach to gut and immune health.
5. Limit Sugar and Alcohol
Sugar and alcohol can both suppress the body’s immune response. Give your body the best chance to fight off illness by limiting the things that make it harder to do so.
How do you do it?
Alcohol tends to be easy to avoid in pregnancy and the perinatal years, but sugar can be a bit tougher, especially if you’re dealing with cravings. Aim to balance your blood sugar by balancing each meal and snack with protein, fat, and fiber. And when you crave something sweet, go for some vitamin C rich berries or good quality dark chocolate.
6. Get Adequate Sleep
Getting consistent sleep supports overall health and immune function. Research indicates that both short- and long-term sleep disruption or deprivation can negatively affect immune health.
How do you do it?
It can be tough for anyone to get sufficient sleep in today’s overscheduled world, but it is especially tough for busy parents. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to start winding down and put away the screens. If you find yourself feeling wired but tired, try Needed’s Sleep + Relaxation Support. It’s made from science-backed, safe and effective nutrients and botanicals to promote optimal sleep quality and relaxation.
7. Manage Stress
We all face some amount of stress in our daily lives. But research shows that chronic stress can negatively impact the immune system. Stress raises cortisol levels, which can directly affect immune health.
How do you do it?
Meditation, gentle movement, and targeted adaptogens can help manage stress. A supplement like Needed’s Stress Support can also help. It contains a clinical-strength blend of 6 pure and potent adaptogenic and nervine botanicals traditionally used in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and herbalism to nourish and support the central nervous system and more.It is not recommended in pregnancy but is safe for preconception, breastfeeding, and beyond.
8. Wash Your Hands!
Your skin is a first line of defense to keep pathogens out of the body. Keeping your hands clean means keeping all of the bacteria and viruses that you pick up on your hands all day out of your body.
How do you do it?
Hand sanitizers don’t kill all types of bacteria and viruses (they aren’t effective against things like stomach viruses), so aim to actually wash your hands with soap and water. Make it a habit as soon as you come home from being outside, and always before eating or preparing food.
9. Get Moving
Research shows that moderate exercise can support your immune system by increasing the circulation of immune cells in your body.
How do you do it?
High intensity isn’t needed, a simple daily walk can be supportive.
Be Well
We hope this combination of diet and lifestyle factors helps to empower you with the information you need to support your immune system so that you can enjoy the season without all of the worry!
Needed is a nutrition company delivering optimal nourishment for women and their partners before, during, and after pregnancy. Needed is the #1 women’s health brand among nutritionally trained practitioners, and is backed by the recommendation of thousands of perinatal health experts. Their products and educational content are grounded in the latest clinical research and the in-practice experience of its practitioner collective. Needed delivers what you need to thrive, not just survive, along the perinatal journey and the parenting years beyond.
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 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.
