In this episode, Catherine and Abby talk about the amazing importance of infant mental health and neuroprotective care, as well as the vital role that speech-language pathologists play in helping little ones thrive in the NICU. The speakers shared heartwarming insights on how these approaches can foster healthy social and emotional growth for our tiniest patients.

They emphasized how speech-language pathologists can be wonderful advocates for babies’ development in this special environment. We learned that things like prenatal experiences, a nurturing caregiving atmosphere, and good nutrition have a big impact on a child's brain development and overall well-being.

It’s important to remember that early days in the NICU can shape a child’s development, which means they often need extra support to co-regulate. Simple things like reducing stimulation and encouraging skin-to-skin contact can make a world of difference for babies recovering from tough birth experiences. Acknowledging the challenges faced at birth and working towards healing can foster better attachment and promote healthier mental health outcomes. Building those important bonds and patterns of repair is key to nurturing infants' emotional development!

Video available - https://youtu.be/yd6ofjDu9FA?si=4HPGuNcoEWhE0RAb

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Chapters

00:00:00 Infant Mental Health and Neuroprotective Care

00:02:54 Advocacy for Infant Mental Health

00:05:51 The Importance of Early Brain Development

00:17:28 Early Experiences and Regulation

00:22:35 Processing Traumatic Birth Experience

00:26:13 The Importance of Infant Mental Health

In this episode, Abby and Catherine discuss the importance of cue-based feeding, seeking help when needed, and the benefits of breastfeeding for newborns. The first few days after birth are crucial for establishing milk supply through frequent feedings. Feeding should be cue-based, with the baby latched on effectively every 1-2 hours. Babies' cues for feeding include alertness, stirring, and moving hands or lips. It is important to wake up sleepy babies for feedings in the first two weeks. Breastfeeding promotes social cues, and babies start practicing swallowing amniotic fluid in the womb. Tongue ties or other oral motor issues can affect breastfeeding and should be evaluated by a specialist. It is important to seek help from lactation consultants or other professionals if there are difficulties with breastfeeding. Feeding patterns may change over time, and it is important to respond to the baby's cues and seek support when needed. Breastfeeding early milk, known as colostrum, is thicker, yellower, and more nutrient-dense. Hand expression of colostrum can be beneficial for first-time moms to learn and have as a backup for baby's feeding. Stressing the importance of open conversations about breastfeeding experiences, we aim to create a supportive community where we can all learn from each other's stories.

Video available - https://youtu.be/yd6ofjDu9FA?si=4HPGuNcoEWhE0RAb

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00:00:00 The Importance of Early Breastfeeding

00:05:16 Breastfeeding Cues and Tracking

00:12:26 Breastfeeding Challenges and Seeking Help

00:17:49 Feeding and Sleep Patterns

00:21:21 Navigating Challenges in Motherhood

00:24:07 Feeding Cues and Patterns

00:27:40 Breastfeeding Benefits and Tips

Listen to Abby and Catherine discuss the basic roadmap of feeding journey including the benefits of breastfeeding, the obstacles faced by many women, and the benefits for both mother and baby and the need for education, support, and flexibility in feeding methods.

Video available - https://youtu.be/clFTfen7Mc8?si=sTw2AwkJ__3MHYDv

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Share your story by emailing [email protected]

Episode Guide

00:00:00 The Feeding Journey

00:07:41 Breastfeeding Benefits and Development

00:12:32 Breastfeeding Benefits and Attachment

00:15:29 Breastfeeding and Attachment

00:19:43 The Importance of Feeding

00:23:49 The Benefits of Breastfeeding

00:27:56 The Challenges of Breastfeeding

00:32:05 The Importance of Knowledge

Summary

The majority of women start their feeding journey with breastfeeding, but many face obstacles that lead to a drop-off in breastfeeding rates.

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother, including improved gut health, easier digestion, and oral-facial development.

It is important for expectant mothers to educate themselves about their bodies and the process of breastfeeding before giving birth.

Building a relationship with a lactation consultant during pregnancy can provide valuable support and knowledge.

The first few days after giving birth are crucial for milk production, and latching the baby is necessary to stimulate milk production.

If breastfeeding is not going well, using a pump can help stimulate milk production and meet the baby's needs.

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the mother's mental health and physical well-being.

Building an attachment relationship through feeding is important for the baby's development and communication.

Knowledge is power for mothers in providing for their baby and removing barriers to breastfeeding.

Building confidence in breastfeeding by understanding what is normal and recognizing feeding cues.

Encouraging informed decision-making and flexibility in feeding methods to meet individual needs and goals.