The Mama Circle with Debbie Jay | Interest
The Mama Circle with Debbie Jay
Reviews
to load big map
25.01.2022 What funnies have your kids come out with recently? The comments on this are gold too
25.01.2022 Hey there Mumma is your breastfeeding journey feeling a little bit bumpy? Could you use someone to talk to about the troubles you’re having? For mums who would like a little more TLC, I offer 1:1 support sessions. Each session is personalised to your needs and concerns no matter how big or small. I use my extensive experience as a breastfeeding and tongue tie doula, and a dash of intuition to find solutions for the problems you’re facing. You’ll get plenty of personalise...d tips, tricks and support for every step of the way. Together, we’ll get to the heart of the issue whether that be physical, emotional, or something else. Sounds like something you need? Here are the details: Time: 45 minutes + follow up support via email and messenger Delivery: online (via Zoom) - no need to get out of your PJ's! Investment: $47 Can the older kids be around too? Absolutely! Ready to book in your time? Comment below, or head to the link in comments to book in. I have time available Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning. If that doesn't suit, please pm me!
23.01.2022 I almost always lose followers when I talk about natural term breastfeeding. It doesn't bother me, but it does make me sad that we are so indoctrinated to see natural term breastfeeding as 'wrong', and often label it as sexual abuse, when we ignore so much actual abuse going on around us. Trust me, you cannot breastfeed a child or toddler who doesn't want to! Shoutout to all the natural term feeding mummas, you're doing a fantastic job and deserve all the support and recognition
22.01.2022 I first heard Dr Zaghi of The Breathe Institute say this during a lecture, and I love it because it's such a good explanation. When the tongue is restricted in its range of movement, a baby automatically begins to compensate. It's a natural survival instinct. These compensations start from before the baby is born, most notably in the way the baby uses their tongue to swallow, and if baby starts to suck their thumb. After the baby is born, and begins to suckle at the breast,... these compensations and maladaptations increase. The baby has to try and maintain a latch, keeping their mouth open wide, their lips everted to create a seal, their tongue slightly protruded. They have to elevate the tongue to control the flow of milk, and lower the tongue to create a vacuum to effectively draw the milk from the breast. When they can't elevate their tongue, can't open their mouth widely, and can't evert their lips, the muscles of the chin, cheeks and neck are engaged to compensate. Now, if the baby is assessed and diagnosed with a tongue-tie, and we release the restriction, does that automatically fix all the feeding issues? Removing the restriction gives the tongue a new range of movement, but remember we still need to deal with those compensations & ingrained feeding habits. We have some muscles that are over-used, some under-used, and we're literally building new neural pathways, as the tongue has never had the ability to move like this before. It's the functional work that we do before and after tie release that allows us to retrain the brain and muscles into an optimal way of functioning. You need both the effective release of the restrictions AND the functional work, in order to properly improve breastfeeding. My next post will cover the team approach to tie release, and why it's so essential for improving oral function and breastfeeding outcomes. If you'd like support on your ties journey, you can book a virtual support session with me, still just $47. I have limited availability between now and Christmas, so if you've been thinking about booking in, now is the time. My booking link is in the comments, I look forward to supporting you on your journey. Deb
21.01.2022 'My doctor told me I have low supply, what can I do to fix it?' 'I have low supply, I've tried all the cookies and supplements, nothing is working.' 'My health nurse told me I have to start supplementing with formula as my baby hasn't put on enough weight, I have low supply.' If I had a dollar for every time I heard/read those statements...... Low supply is NOT a diagnosis. It's a symptom. Some things that can cause issues with milk supply: Interventions in birth Retained placenta Mother & baby being separated after birth Thyroid issues Insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) Low milk transfer Today, I want to talk specifically about the last one. We know that breastfeeding is a supply & demand process, right? The more milk we 'demand', the more we 'supply'. However, in the case of a baby with oral restrictions or poor oral function, their 'demand' is lower. They are not latching effectively, not removing milk efficiently, and often falling asleep or fussing at the breast, not taking a full feed. So, naturally, the amount of milk we make is lower. But, rather than looking into WHY this is happening, mums end up with a 'low supply' label slapped on their breastfeeding journey, which often leaves them feeling disheartened, guilty and sad. The majority of the time, it's related to the babies oral function, and nothing to do with the mum! So, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with 'low supply', please seek a second opinion! Preferably, see an IBCLC who is trained in oral function and identification of oral restrictions, as they will be able to provide you with the most comprehensive support. If you'd like me to connect you up with an IBCLC near you, feel free to pm the page. Deb xo
21.01.2022 Spring = baby season! If you're looking for a great value, easy & truly useful new-baby gift, I'm here to help! The Breastfeeding Affirmations range has been developed to help mums feel confident in establishing breastfeeding, overcoming any breastfeeding difficulties, and really enjoying their time with their newborn. ... Whether you're looking for a single pack of Breastfeeding Affirmation cards, gift wrapped & sent directly, or a wholesale order as an LC, doula or retailer, I've got you covered with the specials below. Breastfeeding Affirmation cards - single pack purchase Looking for a gift for your friend, family member or colleague? The 24 card set is just $14.95 + post. That's a 50% discount! Shop here: https://www.themamacircle.com.au//breastfeeding-affirmatio Breastfeeding Affirmation cards - wholesale orders Are you a retailer, doula, LC or birth professional? Purchase full sets of 24 cards for your new client packs or unboxed cards to slip into your breastfeeding bra orders. Purchase full sets wholesale here: https://www.themamacircle.com.au//breastfeeding-affirmatio Purchase bulk loose cards here: https://www.themamacircle.com.au//breastfeeding-affirmatio If you're overseas and wish to purchase wholesale, please contact me for a quote on postage & insurance.
20.01.2022 Yup, same here! I call it the kick reflex
20.01.2022 Friday morning laughs
19.01.2022 Boom! I _love_ that breastfeeding research is mentioned vs erectile dysfunction research. I use this comparison a lot, can you imagine a man walking into a doctor's surgery and explaining that he's having difficulties with sex, and being told 'oh well, sex isn't for everyone, at least you tried!' No, of course that wouldn't happen. Because men's bodies functioning correctly are of much higher importance than women's ... Similarly, I was discussing the other day that I'm yet to see research done into the speed and volume of milk ejection from the breast, in order to establish if 'fast letdown' is actually a medical issue, or if it's just a misdiagnosis for oral dysfunction. But, we do know the speed at which semen is ejaculated, thank goodness!
17.01.2022 This is important to talk about, informed choice in all areas is a high priority.
17.01.2022 This is a great, brief, history of the marketing of solids for young infants. If you want to see another fascinating (although not as health impacting) story of how marketing changed our habits, look up how Gilette convinced women that they should shave their legs... With these big corporations, it's all about the profit. Not your or your baby's health. ... And, nearly 100 years later, this is still how formula and baby food companies operate.
15.01.2022 My 6yo whenever we need to leave the house
14.01.2022 I've been given permission to share this experience, which was written by an IBCLC in America. I think there are two very important points here. Firstly, ties can and do cause genuine issues with oral function that extend well beyond breastfeeding, and they're commonly missed across the world. Secondly, those of us who appear to some to be 'tongue-tie fanatics' are actually just trying to get awareness and information out there, because we have seen the impacts in our own a...Continue reading
13.01.2022 I'm back, baby! After a longish break over Christmas and early January, I'm back in the office and I have sessions available. If you're looking for support on your journey, particularly if you are navigating tongue-tie release and recovery, please get in touch! I have very limited availability until the end of January, my sessions are still just $47 (last years special support price that I haven't put back up yet) and include a 45-minute online session, pre session questiona...re to help us get the most out of our time together, follow up notes and follow up support via messenger or email for one month. SUCH good value. I'm here to support you to reach your breastfeeding goals, let's do this! I look forward to chatting with you mumma. Please dm the page or hit the link in my bio to book in. Deb xo
13.01.2022 Townsville, change is a comin'! I'm so very proud of these incredible mummas, I'm certain that they are going to change many lives for the better with their work. Congratulations Karlee & Sara <3
12.01.2022 All the feels. The support I've received, and the support I've been able to give over the last 6+ years through our groups and in person, it's been incredible. Whether it's a breastpump or advice via pm for a mum of a newborn at 8pm on a Friday, we're always here, always open and always wanting to pay it forward. The ripple effect from this is huge. Big love to all of you who are doing the same, I know there's tens of thousands of us out there <3
12.01.2022 Vale Sir Ken Robinson, his talks have been instrumental on our journey.
11.01.2022 THIS is why I do what I do. All mothers need easy access to early, ACTUALLY useful breastfeeding support, proper oral assessment and identification of any oral restrictions, and emotional and physical support through overcoming any breastfeeding difficulties, if we're to have any hope of improving on the current situation.
09.01.2022 This will make your day
07.01.2022 An excellent explanation of how tied babies compensate and to try and feed, and the unfortunate results.
07.01.2022 Here's another fascinating adult ties story, that of a professional singer! I'm so glad that these experiences are being shared, in particular because I've always wondered about how ties impact singers.
06.01.2022 This is *such* a common experience, sadly. We have a slightly better time in Australia, but only because we have more private IBCLC's and private release providers, not necessarily because our public health system is all that much better at recognising ties.
04.01.2022 Are you looking for a great-value Christmas gift for the new mum or mum-to-be in your life? I've got you covered! The Breastfeeding Affirmations card set was developed to assist mums in those early weeks of breastfeeding. One side of the card features an affirmation related to motherhood or breastfeeding, including phrases like: I am enough, I have enough... I am a wonderful mother I cherish every moment with my baby, they will never be this small again My baby and I enjoy learning to breastfeed, our journey is unique I trust my body to nourish my baby The other side of each card includes a short, easily remembered fact about breastfeeding. Some examples: Cluster feeding in the evening and during growth spurts is normal, it does not mean that your supply is low. Your breastmilk is a living fluid, uniquely matched to your baby, and constantly changing to meet your baby’s needs as he grows. Where direct breastfeeding is not possible, the World Health Organisation recommends the following in order of preference: mother’s expressed milk, donor breastmilk, artificial infant formula. Breastmilk has just the right amount of protein, fats, salts, sugars, and other nutrients. Your diet does not significantly change your milk content, and a normal diet is suitable for breastfeeding. These bite-sized bits of factual information can help allay any misinformation from well-meaning family members, friends, or medical professionals. They’re also easy to remember when mum has had very little sleep and doesn’t have the time (or the memory!) to read the breastfeeding books.. Give the gift of a strong mindset, with these 24 cards. Packaged in a black velvet drawstring bag with gold satin lining, the cards are A7 size 420gsm artboard. SALE price: $14.95 (usually $29.95) + post. Purchase here: https://www.themamacircle.com.au//breastfeeding-affirmatio
03.01.2022 Oral function and oral restrictions (like tongue tie) affect SO much more than just the mouth.
03.01.2022 Tongue-ties don't just affect breastfeeding. Tongue-ties are for life. I read recently in a pamphlet about ties, by a local health authority, that the tongue tip grows as the baby grows, therefore tongue-tie doesn't affect older children. ... Uh, no. Ties & the associated oral dysfunction, have lifelong impacts. And, our mouth is not an island, it's connected to the rest of our body! How we eat, sleep, breathe, talk and move can all be impacted, so it's so important to know about all of this so we can look for the appropriate interventions and support. Deb xo
03.01.2022 No amount of position changes or special breastfeeding methods will fix a tongue-tie. It's true that some positions can help babies to feed more effectively and cope a little better with the letdown. However, you should be able to feed without needing expert level skills (thanks to Elizabeth Tankard for that gem), and most mums automatically try different positions and tweaks if at first things don't seem to be working well. However, a tongue-tie is a physical abnormality, it...'s a birth defect. It is literally defined as the tongue not having full range of motion. Elevation of the tongue is critical for effective breastfeeding, and this is what is affected the most when the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth. If your baby has a tongue-tie, no position in the world is going to stop that tongue from being restricted. And, while those that seek to sell you a breastfeeding position or method to avoid tongue-tie release are likely meaning well, they clearly do not recognise the lifelong impacts of oral restrictions. Not to mention, the positions which can help somewhat in the lead up to release are easily available for free. DM me if you'd like the links, or check out @tamikaibclc 's page. Another thing to remember: often these ideas about position and attachment being the main issue (not the restricted tongue!) are being pushed in the first 6-12 weeks. Finding ways of compensating in those early weeks can be helpful, but it's just a band-aid measure. Oral dysfunction doesn't just fix itself, the potential issues with supply, sleep, bottle preference, breast refusal and others that mums list, commonly occur more frequently at the 4-6 mo mark. So, if someone is telling you a few tweaks with position will fix a tongue-tie, please get a second opinion from someone trained in oral restrictions and oral function. Deb xo Breastfeeding & Tongue-tie Doula
02.01.2022 Has anyone tried this?! My first thought is it wouldn't work because the plastic would stop the flange from threading on, but I'm really curious now!
