Workshop includes information on; how milk is made, how supply is set up, instincts and reflexes in parent and baby, latching and attaching baby at the breast, normal baby behaviour, common breastfeeding challenges and how to cope if they arise, local support resources, setting realistic expectations of the early weeks, and creating clear individual postpartum plans.
​An ideal time to take in this workshop is anytime after 20weeks. 

Wow! I cannot thank you all enough! With the support from Squamish Hospital Foundation, Vairdy Photography, This is Beauty-AnnaMarie, Grinning Weasel Photography, Squamish Savings, and all the individual folks who supported this fundraiser directly or through one of our events...THANK YOU SO MUCH! THE PUMP HAS ARRIVED! 

It was no small feat! With a good dose of patience and support from Roots Community Midwives, Dr. Kim MacDonald our local OB-GYN, Mountain Maternity and nearly every OB nurse at SGH, there is now a brand new Medela Symphony Plus and trolley at Squamish General Hospital! Seeing first hand how quickly this community is growing, I knew we needed another pump and I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have made it happen!

Vairdy is once again so generously donating her time to one of my ideas... this time we are working together to raise fund in order to purchase a second hospital grade Medela pump and trolley for Squamish General Hospital! All the proceeds from these family portrait sessions will go towards purchasing the pump. Spaces are quickly filling, be sure to book in soon to guarantee your space!!!

Lunamama Doula Services is fundraising to purchase a second breast pump for Squamish General Hospital!

I have seen first hand that families birthing in our local hospital could benefit from having a second breast pump. While our town continues to grow at a rapid pace, there is often more than one family at a time who need to use the breast pump, Right now, there is only one pump. Sharing the pump makes extra work and takes extra time. With a hungry new babe, waiting for the pump can add stress to a family who may already be experiencing breastfeeding challenges. It's time for a second breast pump!

A Medela Symphony Plus with a trolley costs $2650.00 and while that's a lofty fundraising goal I believe we can make it happen for families birthing in our community. Watch for upcoming events in support of this fundraiser!

I tend to tread lightly on controversial conversations but this time I feel compelled to add my own thoughts. The experts have shared theirs and I haven’t heard one of them speak from experience. I do not have a PhD, I am not a medical care provider, but what I am is a Mother who recovered from postpartum depression, a supporter of birthing families and a supporter of fed babies. Families need to feed their babies, whatever that looks like for their individual family. Period. 

The discussions are great for bringing awareness to the subjects of both breastfeeding and postpartum depression. But what it boils down to, in my mind, is that a conversation between experts doesn’t solve anything. Action, taken by individuals who care deeply for new families, individuals who are able to put their own agendas and ideas aside and listen, really listen, to what the families needs are is what is being called for here. We need to quit making assumptions and take a moment to stop and listen. 

The idea that all Leaders and birth workers are staunch breastfeeding advocates is simply not true. I have never liked the term “lactovist”. We support families, yes, but not at the expense of mental health. I am especially aware of this, having been there, tasting failure on every breath, looking at my newborn daughter and feeling so sorry for her that I was so shitty at being her Mom. Feeding babies is not as simple as choosing breast or bottle, especially without support and or knowing if it’s even a choice. My own breastfeeding journey was not without challenges, we learned a lot in that first year. I never expected that the connection with my daughter would feel the strongest when I held her to my breast and fed her. Breastfeeding was a huge part of my recovery, but that’s just me, and I am grateful for it. Your journey will be different, and I am hopeful that you will find your way. And if you get lost, know that we are here to guide you, to lift you up, to celebrate your successes and validate you where you’re at in this moment. 

I’ve said this many times before, we are not meant to do this alone. We are not meant to somehow know how to feed our babies when we’re not surrounded by it. If we saw it every day then maybe, but unless you work in the birth world, you probably aren’t exposed to what it’s really like in the first two weeks after giving birth. The experience of parenthood is 24/7. Even with around the clock training, starting a new job on the spot and being expected to flourish, is an unrealistic expectation. Trying to make the right decisions in early parenting while dealing with sleep deprivation and the pressure to do it “right” can make every little thing in life seem quite daunting. I strongly encourage you to reach out and ask for help, and accept it once it arrives.

The amount of shame in early parenting saddens me. It doesn’t have to be this way. There are so many of us out here who want to help you but we won’t know until you ask. It gets better, it really does. Keep reaching out. 

The Squamish chapter of La Leche League Canada meets monthly, Whether you are expecting a baby, breastfeeding a new or older baby, weaning, looking for information, struggling with unexpected challenges or wanting to meet other breastfeeding Mothers, La Leche League may be just what you are looking for. 

We meet on the second Thursday of each month at the Squamish Academy of Music, located downtown Squamish at 38121 Second Ave. from 10:30am to 12:00pm. At our meetings we discuss all breastfeeding related topics; from how and why to breastfeed, family life with a new baby, practical breastfeeding tips, nutrition, weaning and much more. Bring your breastfeeding questions and concerns, joys and challenges to share, or just listen if you prefer.

All La Leche League accredited Leaders are volunteers. We are experienced breastfeeding Mothers who are trained to provide up-to-date breastfeeding information, encouragement and support. There may be times when you will want some telephone help from an experienced breastfeeding Mother. Call a La Leche League Leader, she will be happy to answer your questions. I am very proud that I am our local Leader, and I'd be happy to hear from you. Call me, Kimberly, at 604-722-0108 and we'll talk through your challenges. Come to a meeting, feel the support of other Mothers, you will find a community of support and are encouraged to exchange phone numbers with other Mothers to start building your village. It's never too soon to start building a great support network with other Mothers!