PRENATAL & Lactation EDUCATION
Labour & Delivery Prep
This session is broken down into 2 parts:
The first section will guide you through a natural delivery with no disturbances or interventions in order to help you understand the signs, stages, and physiology of labour and delivery.
We will then go through the 4 P’s of labour: Power (contractions), Passage (pelvis & vagina), Passenger (baby & placenta), Psyche (mind & confidence).
“All of these must work together in synchronicity to achieve a successful, vaginal birth. Think of them as gears in a machine. If one of the gears is misaligned, then the whole machine malfunctions.”
While discussing the 4 P’s I will explain the most common interventions in L&D including; breaking your water, oxytocin, baby positions, vaginal tears, pain management options (including epidural), assisted deliveries (forceps & vacuum), and caesarean deliveries, and much more!
Our goal is to reduce anxiety by gaining knowledge and confidence in your body which will prepare you for an empowering experience.
Postpartum & Newborn Basics
The postpartum period is considered the “4th trimester” for a reason. It is a time of adjustment for your body, mind, and baby. This session is meant to educate and prepare you so you are better able to enjoy this beautiful yet challenging period.
We will discuss the following:
Maternal Recovery
- vaginal/caesarean recovery
- normal/abnormal bleeding & cramping
- breast changes
- emotional wellbeing
Infant
- feeding/output basics
- sleeping/breathing
- newborn medications/screening
- jaundice
- weight loss/gain
- bathing/diapering/common rashes/normal temperature
Prenatal Breastfeeding Essentials
I am incredibly passionate about breastfeeding. Although a beautiful and bonding experience, it can have its challenges and this is one area where new mothers often struggle. However, prenatal breastfeeding education has been proven to increase your success and duration, and I am very excited to be able to guide and support you during this time.
This prenatal session will review the anatomy of the breast and discuss what changes to expect in the immediate postpartum period. The process of milk production and ejection will be explained with the addition of visuals. We will then focus on the key elements of a proper newborn latch as well as the most common breastfeeding challenges with tips and tricks to help you along the way.
What the session will cover:
- Benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
- Anatomy of the breast
- Breastfeeding positions
- How to get a good latch
- How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk
- How to establish a good milk supply
- Frequency and duration of feeds
- Hand expression of breast milk
- Pumping/storing/sanitization
- Normal output and weight gain
- Partner and family involvement in breastfeeding
- Information about sleep and breastfeeding
- Discussion about growth spurts and what to expect
- Common breastfeeding challenges (eg. engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis)
Initial Home Visit (1.5hrs)
In Person Initial visit (75-90mins) clinic or home visit
- Health history of both mother and baby, including pregnancy and birth
- Discussion of how I can best support you in your feeding journey and an chance for you fill me in on your challenges and questions
- Baby’s naked weight
- Pre- and post-feeding weights
- Mother’s breasts and nipples
- Infant’s oral anatomy
- Feeding assessment including latch, positions, and more
- A personalized feeding and care plan that aligns with your feeding goals and family needs
- A follow-up visit may be recommended
Follow Up Home Visit (1hr)
In person follow up visits (60mins) clinic or home visit
- Assess progress
- Answer questions and address any new concerns
- Reweigh baby and assess baby’s weight gain based on last visit
- Reassess feeding, latch, position, and more
- Pre and post feeding weight for baby
- Revaluate/adjust plan to support needs
Virtual Visit (1hr)
Best suited for prenatal education as well as postpartum questions/concerns where a baby weight is not necessary
- Latch & positions
- Breast care- including mastitis, plugged ducts, blebs, thrush, engorgement and sore nipples
- Low milk supply concerns
- Assistance with breast pumps, nipple shields and other lactation devices
- Breastfeeding or pumping while returning to work
- Weaning
- Prenatal support, and more
Virtual Follow Up (30mins)
Virtual Follow Up Visit (30 mins)
- Assess progress
- Answer questions and address any new concerns
- Reassess feeding, latch, position, and more
- Revaluate/adjust plan to support needs