Nourishing Roots Lactation Services

03/04/2026

So today, March 4, is IBCLC Day! I'm so privileged to be invited into the lives of families at a special time of welcoming a baby. I qualified as an IBCLC in 2016 and I've loved this amazing vocation for 10 years!

01/12/2026

It’s that time of year!

Yes! You can breastfeed when you’re ill. In fact, continuing to breastfeed helps protect your baby because your body produces antibodies and other immune factors that pass through your milk. These help your little one fight off the same illness or reduce its severity. Breastfeeding while sick also supports your own health by preventing engorgement and maintaining your milk supply, which can be disrupted if feeds or pumping sessions are skipped.

[Image Description] Photo of a woman blowing her nose. Text reads, "Can I breastfeed if I'm sick with a cold or the flu? Yes!" La Leche League USA logo sits underneath.

01/12/2026

How amazing is this???

Your milk transforms into personalised medicine for your baby.

When your baby is sick and they feed at the breast, their saliva flows backwards into your breast, and your body starts making antibodies to help them get better.

03/16/2025

Here’s a free opportunity to learn about introducing solid food! Held at the public library in Welland. Register at the link! https://www.wellandlibrary.ca/event-details/feeding-with-confidence-2

03/16/2025

Here is a free opportunity to learn about introducing solid food! Held at the public library in Welland. Register now! https://www.wellandlibrary.ca/event-details/feeding-with-confidence-2

02/12/2025

Such a great infographic to explain the wide variation of feeding patterns that often puzzle us!

All LLLC information sheets have been written and reviewed by a team of La Leche League Canada Leaders who are also International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). If you find these resources helpful, please consider making a donation so we can continue to help breastfeeding families i...

02/08/2025

This is always fascinating to read about!

Breastfeeding does more than nourish—it actually has the power to influence a baby’s genes! Research has shown that human milk can turn on beneficial genes and suppress harmful ones, shaping long-term health outcomes.

How does this work?
Human milk contains microRNAs and other bioactive components that help regulate gene expression—meaning they can control which genes are activated or silenced.

This is particularly important because:
✅ It helps correct mutations in genes that may lead to health issues.
✅ It strengthens the immune system by turning on protective genes.
✅ It reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.
✅ It supports brain development and gut health, laying a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.

This means breastfeeding is not just about nutrition—it’s actively programming a baby’s health at a genetic level! The more we learn about human milk, the more we understand how it truly is nature’s first medicine.

06/17/2024

Such a great visual!

On day 1 and day 2, human stomachs are very small. At this time, they can't stretch either. The small amounts of thick colostrum are just right for tiny tummies getting used to a new way of eating.

By day 3, a baby's stomach begins to be able to expand. Interestingly, it is between day 3 and day 5 that milk volume starts to increase for most mothers. As your milk production increases, your baby’s stomach expands slowly to be able to hold more milk.

06/01/2024

This is lovely!

LLLC is proud to support all families in their breastfeeding, nursing, chestfeeding, human milk feeding journeys! Every mother, parent, family looking for support is welcome!

04/12/2024

This is an important reminder!

Babies have their own feeding patterns. Some feed at regular intervals. Others feed very irregularly. Some babies cluster feed. This means they nurse very often for a few hours and then sleep for several hours. A good milk supply is established by following your baby’s feeding cues, not scheduling feedings. Cues may include licking lips, restlessness, rooting (turning head towards breast) or mouthing hands. Crying is a late hunger cue. Typically 8 to 12 feeds or more within 24 hour is expected.

*Also big thank you to LLLC Group Mom Heather for breastfeeding a clock and her baby for this post!*

02/09/2024

Love this!

These two babies both attend the same La Leche League Canada Group with their moms.

The little girl is at the 3rd percentile, meaning 3 percent of exclusively breastfed babies are smaller than she is. And the little boy is at the 90th percentile, meaning 10 percent of exclusively breastfed babies are larger than him.

Both are almost 5 months old and are exclusively breastfeeding, as often and as long as they want to. Neither of them has even been given a bottle, formula or solid foods.

Both babies are happy, healthy and developing well. Humans come in a wide variety of sizes!

12/10/2023

Good to know during this festive season!

Can peppermint really impact milk production?

Peppermint has been used to decrease milk production in some cultures. Does that mean you need to skip the candy canes this season? Probably not. There is very little peppermint oil in most candy canes. (And much, much less in peppermint tea, if you were wondering.) There are no published studies on the impact of peppermint oil on lactation so no one really knows the answer to this question. But like most foods, peppermint candy canes can likely be eaten in moderation with no impact on your milk production.

The bigger concern is delayed or shortened feedings due to the busyness of the holiday season. Remember to take the time you need to nurse your baby. That may mean you are late for that party, or the other guests need to wait for dinner. That’s okay. During this season of giving it can be helpful to remember that the only gift your baby wants is time with you.