As simple as it sounds, breastfeeding is one of the most difficult parts of being a new mother. From the exhausting feeding schedule that comes with having a newborn, the nipple pain as you get into a groove with the baby, and the afterpains that come while breastfeeding (that get worse with every child you have), it’s no walk in the park.
We just welcomed our third child, and though this time around breastfeeding came easier, as she was born a latching pro, she’s been a slow gainer. We’ve been diligently tracking her weight and at our most recent appointment it was suggested that we make an appointment with a local lactation consultant or breastfeeding clinic, just to make sure that we’re on the right track.
Though I feel it’s important to look at the baby, rather than solely the weight on the scale, we took the advice, along with the recommendation to pump and try to feed her an extra ounce after she has finished feeding, of expressed milk. It wasn’t difficult, in fact it was pretty quick, using the Medela Freestyle Double Electric breast pump.
Following up to this appointment, it was suggested that we breastfeed normally, and after feeding, try to feed an extra ounce of expressed breastmilk. Concerned about introducing a bottle so early, I was relieved to learn about the Calma bottle.
Calma is an innovative feeding solution designed for breastfed babies. It does not interfere with breastfeeding and lets your baby feed the way they learned at the breast, which makes switching from breast to Calma and back easy.
Using the system, babies learn to suck, swallow, breathe – just as they would at the breast. The muscles they use with the Calma bottle are the same muscles they would use while sucking at the breast. Using the bottles, the baby does not swallow air – another benefit.
Where to find breastfeeding support in Edmonton:
Grey Nuns Breastfeeding Clinic | The Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic provides care for mothers and babies with breastfeeding problems. The Clinic is a teaching centre and we support, protect, and promote breastfeeding for patients and the greater community.
Fees: no fee with valid Alberta Health Care Card
Royal Alexandra Breastfeeding Clinic | rovides support and information to moms who are having problems with breastfeeding. The program does not provide medical care or breast pump rentals.
Fees: no fee with valid Alberta Health Care Card
Synergy Breastfeeding Clinic | Erica has been providing full breastfeeding services for the past 4+ years at Synergy Women’s Wellness Centre in Sherwood Park, and has extensive experience in breastfeeding care.
Fees: $125/first consult, free follow up
La Leche League Edmonton | These groups are free to attend and have supportive, informed counsel that can help to answer questions that moms (new and seasoned) alike, may have. There are four meeting locations, monthly, in Edmonton and area with different topics, but you can ask questions, and seek advice, from the leaders at each meeting.
Fees: free
AIRLC Group | A group of five local lactation consultants, providing expertise and experience to support moms in their breastfeeding journey. Depending on the lactation consultant, a referral may be required, and fees may vary. Contact information can be found on the website.
Fees: vary
Trying to keep track of feedings with two older children, a home and everything else on my to do list made me question whether she was actually nursing enough. We nurse on demand, but I wanted to make sure. Using the MyMedela Breastfeeding Companion app, I quickly set up an account to track weight, feedings and more on my phone.
The timer and the stopwatch function, as well as the ability to record both breasts in one feeding, made the app very functional. The easy to read records made doctors appointments easier, as I was able to produce accurate records that could be compared with her weight gain. In addition to tracking breastfeeding, the app also tracks: pumping, bottle, diapers, sleep, height and weight.
Win a Medela Double Electric Freestyle Breastpump
Are you a new mom, or an expecting mother searching for the best breastpump? Enter the contest below for your chance to win. We tried it out last month – and had a great experience. We’re excited to partner up to give one Mom the chance to win!
Medela #MedelaCanada Freestyle Double
Breast Pump Giveaway
Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Medela Canada and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.