In Part 1 of “Basking Babies Supports Moms,” I shared why working with Angela Swieter with Basking Babies, LLC is a win-win for any new or seasoned mama. In this post I’ll share my personal experience with Angela’s assistance in our one-on-one consultation, which I received in exchange for writing this post.
My Experience with Basking Babies
While most of the mamas who seek out Angela’s expertise tend not to do so until after they have delivered and are facing a breastfeeding challenge, for me it was important to talk with Angela before I delivered. Given my high-risk pregnancy, I didn’t want any of those health concerns to impact my breastfeeding experience.
Angela came to my house and sat down with me one-on-one in my home. We discussed my past delivery and breastfeeding experience and concerns. We discussed my current physical history in terms of health concerns. This helped Angela know if there were any potential issues that could arise and helped us create a perfect plan for making my experience successful this go-round.
Once I delivered my baby and my milk came in, Angela came back to meet with us. As I mentioned in Part 1, I can’t express how nice it is that Angela comes to you at your home! I didn’t have to get out and could visit with her in the place I am the most comfortable and relaxed.
As with all mamas, the lactation consultant came to visit me in the hospital; however, at that point everything was new, my milk supply hadn’t come in yet, and I had just given birth. My mind was certainly not thinking clearly in that short visit, nor was I thinking through all the questions that would arise in the “real world” at home. Having Angela at home with with me after my milk came in and everything had settled for a few days was a huge help and reassurance to me.
We weighed my baby before I nursed her and then Angela assisted me in getting comfortable and offered advice for positioning. She gave me some tricks and tips to make it easier for both of us. Having large breasts is a challenge, and for those of you who are blessed with an abundance, you know what I’m talking about! (Crushed was my dream of walking around and feeding my baby and picking up toys and cooking dinner at the same time because I need both my hands to hold my breast and latch babe on!) We weighed her again after nursing to ensure she was transferring milk appropriately.
In addition to the regular nursing consultation, I sought Angela’s expertise with latch because I know how important a proper one is to a successful breastfeeding relationship. With my first babe, I experienced plugged ducts often and I wanted to make sure I knew what a successful latch looked and felt like. Even though I spent a ton of time reading and researching and watching latch videos on Dr. Jack Newman’s website, there is nothing like having someone experienced right there with you to help.
Another thing I wanted Angela to check was my baby’s frenulum. I have had several friends lately whose babies had issues with tongue ties, and I was concerned hers seemed tight. Angela did a physical examination and confirmed that my babe did have a class 2 tie. I talked with her about my concerns, and we discussed what we needed to do to ensure a successful breastfeeding relationship together.
Angela created an individual, personalized plan for us and gave me easy steps to meet those goals. She was great to follow up with me and address our plan. She remembered things I mentioned to her that I didn’t even remember saying (for example, I must have mentioned in passing that I was forgetting to eat and drink regularly, so she asked me how I was doing with that). I really valued that personal touch — to know that Angela was listening closely enough to refer to things in her follow-up. Her encouragement and reassurance was a welcome addition to the day!
I highly recommend contacting Angela for any and all of your needs for birth, breastfeeding, and beyond!
About Angela
Meet Angela E. Swieter, Basking Babies, LLC Owner
RN, BSN, IBCLC, ICD, ICPE, ICPD
Angela supports moms and families through birth, breastfeeding, baby, and beyond with over 30 years of experience. She provides Breastfeeding Education for Parents and Professionals and In-Home or Office Consultations. She also provides several other resources to expecting, new and seasoned mamas and their families.
•Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree
•International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
•International Certified Birth and Post-partum Doula
•International Certified Educator
Angela was newly awarded in 2015 for promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding with the Breastfeeding Anew class. Basking Babies joins an elite group of nine other community-based organizations in the US granted this award. We are the only community organization to receive this honor in the state of Iowa.
Given by: The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and the International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) More information about the award and other recipients
Contact
Contact Angela for the “birth, breastfeeding, baby, and beyond” help and support that you need!
Facebook
web
[email protected]
515-210-1868
Her office location is at the Altoona Medicap at 950 28th Avenue SW Altoona, Iowa 50009.
Please join us at our upcoming New & Expecting Moms Bloom Conference from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 19, 2015, for an encouraging morning. Meet Angela and learn more about her services firsthand as well as connect with other new moms and community resources. Come for fun, food, giveaways, and more!
Disclaimer: I received nursing support and personal consultation from Basking Babies, LLC in exchange for writing this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
