Welcome
Welcome!
My name is Allison and I am a Certified Lactation Educator. I am also certified as a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator and placenta specialist. I'm here to help give you an informed and supported start to your lactation journey. If I were to ask you to fill in the blank for either "Nursing is _________" or "Pumping is _________," what would first come to mind? Think about that for a second. What do you automatically end those statements with? Some say "easy," "normal" or "natural." Others say "challenging," "scary" or "overwhelming." Here's the secret: your lactation journey can feel like all of those things!
Lactating is physiologically normal and is as old as time. That being said, there is definitely a way to improve how satisfied you feel with your lactation journey. Whether you plan to exclusively nurse, pump or a combination, there are three major things to keep in mind:
- Inform your intuition -- While lactation is a normal thing, it might not be easy to know how to unlock that information within yourself. Education in advance is a major factor for "success." You're already taking steps for this by taking this course. Don't stop here! Read that book you've had your eye on. Listen to that podcast to get to know more about common experiences. Follow that social media account to watch for common troubleshooting tips. Information is power.
- Prepare yourself -- First, get the gadgets you might need. Beyond that... Dive deeper into your intentions. What will be most important to you about your journey? Do you have certain goals or hopes? Knowing these things help you feel inspired & motivated and clear on your intentions. Take the time now to set up the self-acceptance and support you'll need to carry you through whatever comes your way. Hint: the self-acceptance part is often the most important part of how you prepare yourself.
- Be gentle with yourself -- However exciting, difficult, satisfying or emotional your journey will be, it can be a wild ride! Some days will be easier or harder than others. Know that you are doing your very best and your baby sees that you are working hard for them. It's crucial that you see that also. Remember your intentions for your lactation journey and know that it's better to take things one day at a time. Take a deep breath (and maybe more if you can), reach out for support and know that you are doing the best you can with what you've got.
Next is a straightforward recording of your course, followed by lots of handouts and resources to share.
Enjoy!
~Allison Morgan, CLD, CPD, CLE, CBE