Frequently Asked Questions
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Little Nursing Company’s Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are approved health practitioners through Telus Health (Desjardins, SunLife Financial, Manulife, and more), Green Shield Canada, and Alberta Blue Cross. If your Alberta Blue Cross coverage allows for in-home visits from a Registered Nurse, you may submit your receipt to Blue Cross for reimbursement. For more information on your coverage, sign in at My Plan- Alberta Blue Cross A prescription from your health care provider may be required by your insurance provider.
Breastfeeding Questions
Weaning: Does milk supply just stop producing on its own? Or does it decrease little by little?
Weaning happens very gradually. You slowly take out the less important feeds of the day. You’ll want to hang on to the nap/bedtime feeds! Take it slow; this will help you and baby both physically and mentally. As it can be a very emotional process for both
Are you feeling ready to wean?
Here are a few weaning techniques: If your baby is under a year old, you can try replacing their least favourite feed first. Eliminating one feed every 3 days can help reduce discomfort and breast fullness. Some moms only eliminate one feeding session per week. Make sure you remember to hand express some milk (just enough to soften the breast). An older baby may accept a drink from a cup, a snack, or a distraction. You can also reduce the length of feed, postpone a feed or have a change in routines.
I need my milk to “dry up.” Is there anything I can do to help that happen quicker?
Here are few things that may help reduce your milk supply: Sudafed, cold packs and sage tea. Always talk to a medical professional on how to safely reduce your milk supply.
Can I pump or hand express before my baby arrives? What are the benefits/risks?
This is called antenatal hand expression. It is done prior to the baby’s arrival so you have extra colostrum available for your baby if he or she needs supplementation. Once you are of term gestation (37 weeks) and have had this discussion with your health care provider, start around 5 minutes per breast each day. Stop at any time if you are having contractions.
If my baby is having green poops is that a problem? My baby is also really fussy and the feeds are really fast.
Sometimes this can be an abundance of watery milk. All breastmilk is nutritious and perfect but to have more water and less fat makes it more like skim milk. Green poops may happen when your baby has shorter feeds. When getting a full feed, your milk will have more fat, like cream milk. We suggest seeing a lactation consultant in your area and getting a pre/post feed weight. A lactation consultant can also give suggestions on how to help your baby get to more of the fatty milk.
What is the cause of a nursing strike?
Nursing strikes can happen anytime. It is the abrupt stop in taking the breast. Sometimes there is a precipitating event that causes the strike such as a previous “bad” experience : baby bit mom while nursing and mom yelped and started the baby who pulled away and cried. Sometimes baby’s that have colds go on a strike because they can’t breath and breastfeed comfortably. Sometimes it can be that a once abundant milk supply slows down and the baby is upset that the milkflow isn’t as full anymore. The key is to continue to gently offer the breast, baby will eventually return to breastfeeding. The priority is to maintain your milk supply by pumping, when the baby normally breastfeeds.
What are some reasons that a baby bites while nursing?
Sometimes this is due to teething pain; sometimes it is for attention/fun (for the baby!); Sometimes it is due to positioning. If you suspect teething pain: offer pain relief prior to latching (ice cubes on the gums). If you suspect biting for attention or fun: focus totally on the baby during feeds-talk/play with fingers/toes, sing. If you suspect bad positioning: try to hold baby closer to the body. Chin into breast tissue; nose is free.
Can I continue breastfeeding my first child while being pregnant with my second?
Yes, definitely. Your milk will not dry up but you may notice a drop in supply.
Sleep Questions:
When is a good time to drop a naP?
Naps are often dropped at 4-5 months, 7-9 months, 16-18 months, 2.5-3.5 years. Consider changing the nap time or shortening the nap prior to dropping it.
How can I optimize my newborns sleep?
Learn your baby’s tired cues, exposure to light/noise during the day, try white noise during naps/nighttime, holding/cuddling, massage and a pre-sleep routine (lullaby or sleep phrase “Shhhhh time to sleep”).
How do you dreamfeed?
A dreamfeed is a (breast or bottle) feed given to a semi-awake baby- awake but eyes still closed. Keep the lights in the room off or dim, very little talking in a whisper voice. Keep stimulation very low. Since baby is sleepy, keep this feed safe by holding baby in a more upright position during feeding (more for bottle feeders). When the feed is complete gently burp and put back to bed.
Attempt a dreamfeed 2-3 hours after the last feed of the evening. Typically between 9:00-1100 pm.
The dreamfeed can provide calories to a baby if they are struggling with weight gain. It will help increase milk supply and give mom a few extra hours of sleep.
However, dreamfeeds don’t work for everyone. Some babies may be difficult or even impossible to wake at this time. Also, it can alter their sleep/wake pattern and sometimes they will continue to wake at that time, feed or not.
“I cannot say enough good things about Mychelle and Melissa! They’re a fabulous team that cares really deeply about their work. They’re both incredibly kind and empathetic, and are sure to follow up until things get better. ”
