Holistic lactation

What does it mean to be holistic? It means looking at someone as a whole person- mind, body, spririt, environment, all of it. Not just looking at a disease or problem, but seeing the person.

In lactation we are already seeing 2 instead of 1, we treat the DYAD (mom and baby). A new birthing parent and baby are a dyad for really the first 6-12 months, or even longer in some cases. They are inextricably joined, relying on each other for nutrition , support, love and life. To see one without the other is like half of a puzzle.

One of my favorite parts of being a lactation consultant is seeing and treating the dyad. Obstetricians see the mom, Pediatricians see the baby. Both have important jobs, but in a way it’s like treating half of your body. When I am assessing for low milk supply, what is happening with baby is just as important as what is happening in mom’s body. Stress and mental health is just as important as physical and nutrition. All aspects of a person affect their health.

For clients really struggling with complex issues- gut health, food allergy, and more- a longer, more in depth holistic approach is beneficial . In a longer appointment there is time to go through all medical history, diet and nutritional needs, sleep and mental health and more.

There is a way to find the answers, but rarely are they found when we are rushing and talking. Slowing down and truly listening is where the truth lives. That is my favorite part of my longer holistic lactation appointments.