THE FOURTH TRIMESTER: PERSONALIZED POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
While pregnant, you are likely used to tons of attention from family, friends, and the medical community. Unfortunately, the way our society is set up, mothers are often left by the wayside after having a baby, while the little one becomes the focus of attention. The postpartum period is a time of major life transitions - becoming a mom, a changing relationship with your partner and other children, a healing body, and huge emotional shifts. Without the proper support, women are at high risk of postpartum mood disorders. In fact, the United States boasts THE HIGHEST maternal mortality rate of any modernized country in the world. This is not a statistic to be proud of. This is glaring data that our system needs to change.
My 4th Trimester Package is my way of battling this statistic.
EXPECTATIONS AS A FIRST TIME MOM
Being prepared to be unprepared when you are going to have a baby is probably the best approach. Get used to the idea that things won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t feel alone. Seek support—there are so many ways to get it. Some you may not realize you will need, but some kinds of support are universal. Line up people to bring you meals or do your grocery shopping for you.
What is the difference between a Board-Certified Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Physician and a Lactation Consultant?
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. Sometimes new mothers find themselves confused when seeking help to ensure they and their babies can enjoy a successful breastfeeding experience.
What's it Really Like to Be a First-Time Mom?
Expect the unexpected. This is my best advice going into the experience of being a first time mom. Knowing that things may not look how you picture ahead of time can make a world of difference in how you feel about your new parent journey.
DEALING WITH A FAST FLOW OR FORCEFUL LETDOWN
A forceful letdown occurs when milk flows from the breast faster than the baby can handle. This can be overwhelming for your little one and may require seeking the professional help of a lactation consultant.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A LAZY BABY
I want to address a term that often surfaces in consultations and pediatric visits: "lazy baby." I believe this term is not only inaccurate but also unhelpful. It suggests a negative connotation and unjustly assigns blame to your infant for challenges in breastfeeding, which is unfair and unfounded.