Tracey Carolan IBCLC

02/10/2025

Did you know IBCLCs also help with bottle feeding.

A lot of people dont know that oral function also applies to using bottles, just because baby can get the milk doesnt mean they are drinking it properly.

If you see milk dripping out the sides of their mouth, tons of gulping or clicking, a very gassy baby or one that looks stressed when feeding and doesnt finish looking relaxed

Let me know. I can help.

02/08/2025

Did you take a prenatal breastfeeding class?
What did you learn?

Learning about nursing prenatally and not just about how to hold your baby to feed them but the ins and outs of milk production, alternatives to bottles and what to do if baby wont latch when help isnt available, is so important.

Probably equally as important as learning about child birth. Child birth lasts a few days at most. Feeding your child lasts a lot longer and there's new challenges around every corner.

Most new parents dont see an IBCLC in the first 100 hours which are the most important when it comes to milk supply, learning how to manage is key to providing human milk as long as its your goal to do so.

We dont know until we do, and education is your key to success.

I teach feeding classes in a group setting and privately.
Please reach out for more information.

02/07/2025

Also great to nurse in.
If your looking to learn how to nurse in yours let me know

Feel free to share your pics :-)

02/07/2025

02/04/2025

Human milk is truly extraordinary—it’s packed with probiotic organisms that settle in your baby’s gut, creating a powerful line of defense against illness. These beneficial bacteria help build your baby’s immune system, protect against infections, and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome that supports their overall health throughout their life! 🛡️💪

Breastfeeding isn’t just about providing nourishment in the moment—it’s about laying the foundation for lifelong wellness. From reducing the risk of infections and allergies to supporting digestion and even mental health, the power of human milk goes far beyond what meets the eye. 💛

Every drop of human milk is a gift of protection, connection, and health for your baby. You're not just feeding your little one—you're giving them a head start for a healthy future. 🌱✨

Have questions about breastfeeding? Reach out to La Leche League Canada for expert support and resources—we’re here to help! 💕

01/28/2025

8 years ago I was telling people to use APNO routinely, today Ive only suggested it to one client in the last 3 years.

Why?
Because we deserve better.

APNO is a combination of a steroid, anti fungal and antibiotic. Why would we put all three on our ni***es at the same time?

I doubt some one with male genitalia would be given a cream with so many medications to use at once without first finding the root cause to their issue, so why should it be any different?

We know now that fungal infections are very rare on the ni**le/ breast so antifungals shouldn't need to be used often if not at all. Steroid cream and antibiotics are sometimes used but we dont need to use them together routinely and especially not before being properly assessed and alternative therapies tried.

Basically were throwing the kitchen sink at the problem because we dont know what it is.

If your Dr or Midwife prescribes you APNO, ask why.
Or better yet, contact an IBCLC to first look at what could be the cause before medicating.

01/24/2025

I have literally sat with clients and thrown away notebooks or deleted Apps that are full of times and frequencies of diapers, feeds and sleep.

Now of course there is always the exception to the rule but for the majority of people keeping track of all this information past the first week or two leads to a lot of anxiety, stress and concerns.

As babies grow they will change how often they feed for and how long they sleep for. Diapers are a great way of knowing that baby is well hydrated and eating but that too can change over time.

Babies are not all the same, they also dont know they're suppose to follow the rules youve read about when it comes to eating and sleeping.

Yes its scary keeping a tiny human alive and ensuring their wellbeing but by keeping track of everything you are more aware of every little change giving you more reason to be concerned.

Watch how they act during feeds, give them opportunities to sleep but leave it up to them and dont be surprised when they wake 10 min later. Go to your well baby checks and give your doctor or an IBCLC a call if you are concerned.

Delete the app.

01/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=934676385463675&set=a.573414338256550

Formula companies invest an estimated $40 for every baby born in Canada to promote their products. These companies often position themselves as philanthropic partners in improving health outcomes, but their primary goal is clear: to maximize profits for their shareholders.

🔍 What Does This Mean?
These marketing strategies aim to persuade parents to choose formula feeding over breastfeeding, even in situations where breastfeeding might be more beneficial.
Advertising and sponsorships are carefully crafted to build trust and normalize formula as the default feeding option, overshadowing the importance of breastfeeding support and education.

🌟 Why Breastfeeding Matters:
Breastfeeding provides unparalleled health benefits for both parent and baby, including immune system support, bonding, and reduced risks of chronic illnesses.

While formula can be a necessary and lifesaving option in some cases, it should never be promoted at the expense of breastfeeding.

🤔 What Can We Do?
Stay informed about the influence of commercial interests on infant feeding choices.
Support policies and initiatives that prioritize breastfeeding education and unbiased parental support.

Encourage healthcare systems to promote evidence-based practices, free from corporate influence.

Together, we can create a culture that supports parents in making informed feeding decisions based on facts, not marketing strategies. 💛

01/21/2025

Booking a home visit does not mean you need to clean.

Dishes in the sink, laundry piled high and you in your pajamas. That's what I expect

No matter how your baby comes in to this world, your body goes through a lot and you need to rest with that baby on your chest. Learning how to nurse also takes a lot of practice so what better way to do that than on the sofa or in bed where you can rest between feeds.

I dont need to be offered coffee or water, I assure you, I've brought my own.

Im not a guest, Im there to support you and answer your questions and hopefully when I leave you will feel your concerns have been acknowledged and that you can achieve your goals.

01/18/2025

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1244960190486754&set=a.569018098080970

It is normal for you not to feel your let-down as strong as your baby gets older. Some never feel let-down, and some stop feeling the let-down sensation as time goes by. This does not necessarily indicate that let-down is not taking place.

Reliable signs of a healthy, functioning let-down include:
* In the first week or so, feeling uterine cramping during letdown.
* Baby changes sucking pattern from short and quick (like a pacifier suck) at the beginning of the feeding to more long, rhythmic suck a minute or so into the feeding. You’ll start to hear consistent swallowing that sounds like a “uh” or small puff of air. Baby’s jaw will drop lower with the swallow than with sucking
* A feeling of calm, relaxation, sleepiness or drowsiness
* Strong thirst when breastfeeding.
* Occasionally people can experience itching, nausea, headaches, or negative emotions during let down
It’s quite normal to have a harder time letting down to a pump than to baby. The milk may be in the breast, but the stimulation from the pump may not be enough to trigger the release needed for the milk to flow. Although rare, this can occasionally happen when directly breastfeeding as well.

Many things can be the cause of a slow or inhibited let-down: anxiety, pain, embarrassment, stress, cold, excessive caffeine, smoking, use of alcohol, or certain medications. People with breast surgery or ni**le piercing history may have nerve damage that can interfere with let-down. In extreme situations of stress or crisis, the release of extra adrenaline (the “fight or flight” response) can reduce or block the hormones which affect let-down.

Let down can be a conditioned response. Sometimes a cycle is created, where baby fusses and pulls off because the let-down is slow, which makes mom tense up, which makes the let-down even slower, etc. You can use relaxation techniques and let-down cues to break this cycle.

01/17/2025

01/14/2025

01/08/2025

01/01/2025

No accomplishment is too great or too small if it matters to you.

You finally latched babe without a shield? Celebrate it!!
You put your pump away and decided to combo feed? Excellent!!
You weaned after 6 months of hard work every single day? Amazing!!
You got the help you needed from an IBCLC and are now enjoying every nursing session that occurs? Perfect!

Lets all celebrate all our feeding accomplishments.
Happy New Year

12/23/2024

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1030624559106496&set=a.412589650909993

The holidays can be overwhelming for little ones. From flashing lights to loud music and new faces, it's essential to create spaces where your child can regulate. Take breaks, find quiet corners, and offer comfort items to help them stay calm... including b**b! Remember that a breastfeed is as much about coregulation as it is about nutrition and immunological support.