Anyone who has had, or been around a newborn knows that they spend most of their time doing two things – sleeping and eating. Which means that parents of newborns often spend most of their time worrying and obsessing about their child’s sleeping and eating! But while seeking professional assistance for baby sleep has been normalized, and experts are relatively easy to find; the same can not be said for feeding, especially for breastfeeding.
As twin parents we know all too well that nourishing (multiple) little ones is a near-herculean task, and mothers choosing to breastfeed deserve compassionate and personalized support.
Nightingale Baby, a team of San Diego-based lactation practitioners, understands the needs of expectant and postpartum families and is committed to empowering all families on their journey into parenthood.
With more than ten years of experience working with new moms and babies in local San Diego hospitals, Nightingale founder Jennier Gathman, RN, MSN, IBCLC, PMH-C has a passion for providing education and ongoing, non-judgemental support. Along with Marilyn Garner, RN, IBCLC; and Lactation Education Counselors Corinna Sparhawk Wydra and Megan Bandfield; Jennifer is here to help caregivers show up for their babies as the happiest, healthiest versions of themselves through services including prenatal and postnatal lactation consults.
Prenatal lactation consults are designed to provide you with everything you need to be confident and empowered when initiating breastfeeding after delivery. The Nightingale team recommends a prenatal consult for ALL families planning to breastfeed or provide their newborn with breastmilk. Especially those with:
- Previous challenges with breastfeeding or milk supply
- Twins or multiples
- Flat or inverted nipples
- Diabetes before or during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- History or infertility or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Desire to be educated, confident, and empowered
Postpartum consults are your first visit with your lactation consultant after delivery. At these consults, the team will review your health history, your labor, delivery, and postpartum experience. Additionally, an oral evaluation will be completed to ensure your baby does not have any tongue restrictions affecting their latching technique, and a thorough breastfeeding and/or pumping assessment will be performed to provide you with the best plan of care for you and your situation. Postpartum consults can help those with:
- Difficulty latching
- Painful latch with sore nipples
- Is not gaining weight appropriately
- Concerns about milk supply
- Plugged ducts
- Engorgement
- Concerns about mastitis
No matter your family’s unique situation or needs, the Nightingale team is here to help you reach your feeding goals without judgement. Through Nightingale’s association with LoveStrong Wellness they are also able to collaborate with and introduce families to a wide range of complementary prenatal and postpartum providers. Nightingale Baby is affiliated with Lovestrong Wellness. The San Diego Parents of Twins Club is grateful for their participation in this year’s Silent Auction.