Start Your Breastfeeding Journey With Confidence! Embark on your breastfeeding journey with our initial lactation and infant feeding visit. This session is designed to provide comprehensive guidance and support to new parents like you, setting you up for a successful breastfeeding experience.
Meet Giselle
Meet Giselle, your trusted companion and mentor in your journey of parenthood. They will bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Childbirth Educator, Full Spectrum Doula, Consultant and Doula Trainer. With their diverse skills, they are uniquely equipped to support you in every facet of your parenting journey.
Giselle's mission is simple yet profound — they aim to empower families to nourish their babies with confidence and ease. What sets them apart is their specialized experience working with infants with TOTS (tethered oral tissues), parents of multiples, those who induce lactation, and pumping parents. They are committed to providing robust support and guidance tailored to your unique needs.
Above all, Giselle is renowned for their calming presence and empathetic nature. They offer an affirming and inclusive practice, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for all families. With Giselle, you're not just a client; you're a part of a supportive, compassionate community.
Initial Lactation and Infant Feeding Visit
Embarking on your breastfeeding journey? Our initial lactation and infant feeding visit is crafted to provide you comprehensive support and guidance.
What's Included in Your Visit
- Health and Feeding History Intake: We delve deep into your medical history and your baby's feeding patterns. This helps us understand your unique situation, enabling us to provide customized support.
- Observation of a Feed: Our lactation consultant, Giselle, will be on hand during a feeding session. They will provide hands-on assistance with latching or bottle-feeding. This will help us pinpoint any hiccups in the feeding process and give us a chance to correct them.
- Oral Exam for Your Baby: We ensure there are no physical factors playing spoilsport in your breastfeeding journey. A thorough oral examination of your baby will help us identify and address any such issues.
- Personalized Comprehensive Guide: After the visit, we don't leave you hanging. You’ll receive a detailed guide, personalized to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have regarding your baby's feeding and development.
Your Health and Baby's Feeding: Together We Unravel the Story
Understanding your health and your baby's feeding habits is the cornerstone of our approach. This initial step in our journey together involves an in-depth discussion about your medical history and your baby's feeding patterns. We believe that every mother and baby is unique, and understanding your specific situation is key to providing personalized care and guidance.
By delving into the details, we can identify any potential issues and create a tailored plan for your breastfeeding journey. It's not just about feeding; it's about nurturing a bond between you and your baby.
Let's begin your personalized journey towards successful breastfeeding.
Hands-On Guidance: Observation of a Feed
Embarking on your breastfeeding journey can be quite daunting, but you're not alone! Our hands-on observation of a feed is designed to provide you with all the support you need.
During this session, our expert consultant, Giselle, will closely observe you and your baby during a feeding session. She'll offer immediate tips and adjustments to help ensure proper latching and feeding, making the process less stressful and more comfortable for both you and your little one.
The observation is more than just watching – it's about understanding your unique challenges, empowering you with knowledge, and guiding you towards mastering the art of breastfeeding.
So why wait? Start your journey towards confident and effective breastfeeding now!
Ensuring Optimal Health: Thorough Oral Exams for Your Baby
Understanding your baby's unique needs is paramount to us. That's why we offer an intricate oral examination as part of our initial lactation and infant feeding visit. This thorough check-up helps us identify and address any physical issues that may be impacting your little one's feeding.
Whether it's tongue-tie, lip-tie, or any other oral anatomy concern, our gentle yet detailed oral exam provides the clarity you need to navigate your baby's feeding journey effectively. By understanding these factors, we can tailor our approach, ensuring your baby gets the most from each feeding and supporting their overall health.
Giselle Johnston
TRAINING + EDUCATION:
- Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad (2022)
- Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi) Level I and II. RMTi courses involve using movements and various reflex integration techniques for optimal neural development. (2022)
- Pumping and Feeding Gear Workshop for IBCLC (2021)
- Lactation Medicine at the International Breastfeeding Centre (Newman Clinic) (2018-2020)
- PAIL- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Advocate (2018)
- Car seat Technician CPSAC (The Child Passenger Safety Assoc. of Canada) (2018)
- Birthing from Within, Childbirth Education mentor (2017)
- Abortion Support Skills Course with Full Spectrum Doula Circle (2017)
- DONA trained labour doula (2016)
- Acupressure for Birth (2016)
- Anti-Oppression training with Sherbourne Health (2014)
TIPS & IDEAS TO MAKE BREASTFEEDING EASIER
1. Start Early
The sooner you begin nursing, the better. Ideally, you should try to nurse within the first hour after your baby is born. This will help stimulate milk production and allow your baby to get colostrum, often referred to as 'liquid gold' because of its immense health benefits.
2. Remember, Practice Makes Perfect
Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby learn together. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t go perfectly right away. It’s completely normal to face challenges. Keep trying, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
3. Nurse on Demand
Feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, like increased alertness or activity, mouthing, or rooting. This could be as often as every 2-3 hours.
4. Ensure Proper Latch
A good latch is vital for successful breastfeeding. Your baby should have all your nipple and most of the areola in their mouth. If you’re struggling with the latch, please seek help right away.
5. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated will help sustain your milk supply. Remember, you're fueling both yourself and your little one.
Breastfeeding is a remarkable journey of bonding, love, and nourishment for your baby. But every journey may come with its own set of challenges. It's okay to ask for support and advice - that's what we're here for!