Birth Geekery: Milk Supply, Pain, and Informed Consent
Welcome to Birth Geekery, the blog series designed to put interesting, fun, USEFUL, and usually nerdy resources at your disposal.
Each post features two to three resources that I either love and frequently share with our clients OR something I’ve come across recently that’s got my brain all 🤯.
Image description: a newborn baby is swaddled in a blue blanket, with a second white blanket layered on top with a print of blue cartoon birds. The baby is wearing a little cap and is asleep. They’re in a hospital bassinet with clear sides. A blue bulb syringe is visible at the top of the bassinet.
RESOURCE #1
This episode of The Midwives’ Cauldron is all about low milk supply. Dr. Rachel Reed, RM, PhD, and Katie James, RM, IBCLC discuss: how many people experience low milk supply, breast refusal, re-building milk supply, donor milk, nipple confusion, breast reduction surgery, the top up trap, medications that could affect milk supply, witching hours and COLIC. Phew! It's jam packed.
Listen here: Low milk supply
RESOURCE #2
It’s not unusual to wonder and worry about pain as you prepare to give birth – pain (for the vast majority of people) is a part of labour. But what exactly is pain? And is there anything we can do to reduce it? Check out this episode of Ologies all about pain. It’s not specific to labour, but there’s a lot in here that can be applied to labour, especially the section on turning down our pain dials.
Listen here: Dolorology (PAIN) with Rachel Zoffness
RESOURCE #3
Did you know? You have the right to informed consent AND informed refusal of any recommended medical treatment or procedure (meaning anything from a weight check at the doctor’s office all the way up to a treatment that is believed to be necessary to prolong your life).
Alberta Health Services even has a 15-page policy document all about consent to treatment/procedure(s)! It’s worth the read – knowing your rights and responsibilities within the medical system goes a long way in helping you get the care and support you want for your birth.
Read here: Alberta Health Services Policy on Consent to Treatment/Procedure(s)
