MY PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH TO INFANT FEEDING
What if we considered infant feeding to be one of the first vital signs of neurological wellness instead of just a calorie delivery system?
What about a parent's ability to produce milk? Could we consider it to be an indicator of her hormonal and nutritional wellness?
I believe that breastfeeding is an indicator of both parent and infant wellness. Challenges with poor latch, and low supply are often seen as a signal indicating the end of breastfeeding, but at Nourishing Foundations, I see it as just the beginning of the journey.
Breastfeeding difficulties are an indicator of dysfunction and through a holistic approach to feeding, we can work together to find and address the root causes of these challenges. I believe in supporting wellness because bodies that function optimally can feed optimally.
Through partnering together, I will support and walk beside you on this path. I will provide guidance, insight and structure. I will bring you evidence based medicine, clarity and encouragement as you and your baby join together in teamwork to find your way.
- see aviva text for foundational quotation
When we start to look at breastfeeding as a neurological indicator of wellness, the significance of early feeding changes. Instead of solely impacting physical growth, it also becomes an indicator of the biological process that helps develop the long-term oral function of your baby. Feeding isn’t just about calories. It is also about establishing a solid foundational structure for healthy breathing and clear communication, and the latch is a glimpse into the current status of that process. Shallow latches, painful latches, unstable latches where a baby comes off and on the breast, these are all indicators of dysfunction.
While many moms may choose not to breastfeed for lots of important reasons, a baby who cannot breastfeed, because they cannot latch or because it causes too much pain for the breastfeeding parent, is screaming to the world, in the only way they can, that something isn’t functioning as it should. When you address the root of the problem, the latch follows.
Babies can’t form words with their mouths, but they have a whole lot to tell us if we know how to listen. Fussy babies are not a variation of normal. Babies who do not like tummy time and babies who cannot be put down are not a variation of normal. Crying is the only method of communication a baby knows.
Does this sound familiar? If so, don’t despair. Here comes the best part: baby’s brains are designed to be able to be wired and rewired to improve function, and we can work together to do exactly that. If you aren’t satisfied with your current feeding, I would love to help you explore more options.
I can help you learn to listen to your baby and hear what they are trying to tell you. We can work together to come up with a concrete action plan to make your new chapter feel safer, better and more supported for you, your baby and your whole family.
The first few months of parenthood can be an overwhelming time. I firmly believe that in order to best help a baby, the parents must first be supported. Whether that means working through current challenges or providing guidance to stay ahead of the curve, I want to help you thrive.
No matter what or how you choose or need to feed your baby, I will help you come up with a plan that is safe and meets your goals. Whether you are pregnant, breastfeed, exclusively pump, combo feed, formula feed or chestfeed, if you need feeding help, I support you.