The Doctors' Breastfeeding Clinic
10 Gillingham Dr., Suite 201A L6X 0G6 Brampton, ON, Canada

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Doctors’ Breastfeeding Clinic!

Health Canada states breastfeeding-exclusively for the first six months, and sustained for up to two years or longer with appropriate complimentary feeding- is important for the nutrition, immunologic protection, growth, and development of infants and toddlers.

What's reflux? This is a term you probably hear around if you are pregnant or have a baby. It can be complex, but I'll try and break it down a little. (It'll s...till be a long one I expect!) When we swallow, our food goes down the food pipe (oesophagus) and into our stomach. There is a valve between the oesophagus and stomach that let's stuff in, but on the whole doesn't let stuff back up. In a baby, this system is still developing and so its much more likely that stomach contents will come back up into the food pipe. Add to that the fact that their food is entirely fluid for the first six months of their life, and you'll begin to understand why it's so common for babies to reflux. Around half of all babies in the UK reflux their milk. In some babies this means the milk actually comes all the way up as vomit, in others it comes up a little into the food pipe and gets swallowed back down. Is it a problem? For the most part, no actually. If a baby is growing as expected, and weeing and pooing normally, the refluxing is likely more of a laundry issue than anything else. That said, the way the baby latches and feeds really does have an impact on reflux, so it's worth getting a feeding assessment with some well trained support to see if things can be made easier. If a baby *isn't* growing well, or becomes dehydrated due to the vomiting, they should be referred for specialist support. The reason being, that reflux that is this severe is being caused by something more than the normal issues above. The underlying cause needs to be investigated for and managed. For these babies sometimes medications to control the vomiting can be useful in the short term until the cause is found. A feeding assessment for these babies is crucial, and it should be done by an infant feeding specialist and ideally an IBCLC lactation consultant. What shouldn't be happening is that babies are put on medication at the GP surgery and that's all the happens. This goes against the evidence based national guidance. The other issue that gets discussed a lot with reflux is the issue of pain, discomfort and unsettledness. You can imagine that if you're getting stomach acid washing back up into the food pipe where it's not meant to live, it's going to be uncomfortable! Especially if it's happening repeatedly and causing inflammation and damage. These babies are very very unhappy little souls. There's a lot of screaming and distress, even when they're in your arms. The cry is often high pitched and piercing, and it is incredibly difficult for all concerned. Where the difficulty lies, is that a vast amount of babies are being medicated for reflux for exhibiting normal infant behaviours, rather than the extreme distress of the baby above. Our new babies biologically expect to be in our arms 24/7. They expect to be held and be upright. But as a society we lie our babies down a LOT, and this not only goes against gravity holding liquidy stomach contents down, but also stops them from settling and means they cry more. It's survival instinct to shout to be picked up. Our babies are biologically hardwired to object to being put down, because they are completely dependent on us for their safety and survival. Now there is absolutely no doubt at ALL that this is seriously hard for us. We're very used to our sleep and our routines, and society tells us that babies feed every three hours and sleep in a cot in between, and that night time parenting should be temporary and discouraged. But in reality nights are very disturbed, feeds are frequent, and babies need cuddles. This misconception of baby behaviour leads parents to feel really concerned that something is wrong. And yes, it may be that there are changes that can be made to make things a little easier. So once again, going through your own individual situation with someone well trained in this area can help you unpick what's going on and reassuring you as to what is normal, and what changes may help. If you're offered medication for your baby, (especially a baby that is growing well), please ask for a referral for specialist support. Drug management alone isn't recommended and certainly shouldn't be the first option. The drugs have both short and long term side effects, so the benefits need to outweigh the risks before being prescribed, and this is something that should be fully discussed with you to allow you to make informed decisions.

Here’s how lactation experts are working to redefine and decolonize breastfeeding:

How babies stimulate your milk flow and supply:

A few years ago we thought we'd explore the popular myth that what you feed babies affects their sleep. Long story short, we found it didn't: https://www.facebook.com//pcb.2680563358/2680562842205379/

His life was short, but it was not without impact. Yesterday, all of the milk I had pumped for Elias was donated to help other NICU babies who need it. When I ...first agreed to donate, I kind of thought I’d just drop some bags in a mail slot at the hospital and be done...nope. Becoming a donor is quite the process with blood tests and several screenings, but for the opportunity to have something positive come from his death, I would do it all over again and more in a heartbeat. #LoveWhatMatters Credit: Britt Kolb

Top tips for sleep for expecting parents:

Video clip of Professor James Mckenna on "The Science of Breastsleeping" https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=407217387330853

Why COVID makes it more important than ever that pregnant (and breastfeeding) women take vitamin D. Although these recommendations come out of the U.K, the same is true for your prenatal and postnatal care here in Canada. https://theconversation.com/why-covid-makes-it-more-importa

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announced the data Wednesday, saying healthcare partners can now go to the Health Unit’s Health Professional Web Portal to support efforts to increase local breastfeeding rates:

To our nation’s heroes men, women and families serving our country. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. May God bless you and keep you safe. : Vanessa Simmons

No bad habits. Not spoiling them. No rod for your own back. Not making them clingy. Not stunting their independence. They're asking for a reason, not to manipu...late you. You're doing the right thing. #cuddles #cuddlethem #feedthem #lovethem #breastfeedingexperiences #breastfeed #breastfeeding #ibclc #lactationconsultant #midwife #mother #baby #sleep #babysleep

Have you been asked if your child sleeps through the night? Do you know what is considered sleeping through the night? You might be surprised to find out what it really means.