OK, before we start, here's a disclaimer: this is a rant. A rather personal one - although there are many people in the same situation and it does have ramifications for breastfeeding support in this country (UK). I'll do my best not to come across as a moaning minny and to find the positives as I Continue Reading
The Politics of Breastfeeding: Partnerships, Parameters, Taboos and Pecadillos
The following was, more or less, a speech I gave at the 2014 Doula UK conference. I am passionate about breastfeeding and the ways in which doulas fit into the breastfeeding support landscape. I'd like to take you on a little tour of some of the social attitudes to breastfeeding that interest me Continue Reading
What the Heck is the Fuss about Tongue Tie?
On one fairly routine day for a postnatal doula I found myself ringing the doorbell of a potential client. Her baby was 2 months old and she wanted some support with the baby while she rested. As I greeted her and cast my eyes around the house, I could see with a glance that all was not Continue Reading
Hypernatraemia in newborns: A study
"Neonatal hypernatraemia at this level, in this population, is strongly associated with weight loss. It occurs almost exclusively after attempts to initiate breast feeding, occurs uncommonly and does not appear to be associated with serious short term morbidities, beyond admission to Continue Reading
Cat’s Story
I intended to breastfeed when I was pregnant but I had very little knowledge. I was so preoccupied with the birth that I didn’t really think about how I was going to breastfeed and I didn’t anticipate having any problems! I had a wonderful birth experience with the support of a fantastic doula. In Continue Reading
E’s Story
My baby girl was checked immediately after the birth by a paediatrician. I don't know whether TT was checked for, it was not mentioned. I asked for help with breastfeeding from the midwives present. I was told that the next midwife on shift would help me (baby was born at 18.30. Shift change was Continue Reading
Books, Links and Resources
Reading, researching, learning and sharing.... I'll be adding in titles of books that may be useful here and links to their websites, if possible. The Food of Love' and 'Bump', by Kate Evans http://www.thefoodoflove.org/ Weblinks Breastfeeding Links Coping with Continue Reading
Breastfeeding Blues: Feeling Sad When Nursing
This is a guest post by an inspiring mother called Alena Lewis. Her determination to nurse her baby despite the challenge of D-MER. Don't know what that is? Read on! Many thanks, Alena for sharing your story. Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex What the duck is that? I hear you ask... well apart from a Continue Reading