Shira Johnson Lactation, Shira Johnson, IBCLC

04/07/2025

Great FREE opportunity for lactation providers to learn more about fl**ge fit

10/01/2024

03/18/2024

07/24/2023

07/14/2023

No your baby is not 'manipulating you' if you respond when they need something. They are simply showing you that they need feeding, support with sleep or simply a cuddle and trust you enough to help them with that.

Responding to your baby helps build their trust, not only in you and your relationship but with how they view the world. It helps them grow in confidence as they know that their needs are met.

Babies have no choice to ask for help if they need it. They have no other way in the early weeks of communicating apart from crying. They have tiny tummies and need lots of feeds. They need support in getting back to sleep at night. They probably get scared as they've no idea where you've gone and evolution hasn't caught up enough yet for them to know they're not going to get eaten by a bear.

But the way some people react they seem to think it's akin to an adult sitting on the sofa and asking someone to wait on them hand and foot all day long.

Saying that, isn't it nice to sometimes be brought a cup of tea or a biscuit (or six)? Are you being manipulated by your partner if they ask you if you'd pass them a drink while you're up? [or my favourite trick here of calling in a passing child to bring me something because I don't want to get up... but you know, I gave birth to them, they owe me 😏😆]

On a serious note, when we care & respond to others it’s part of building a reciprocal relationship of attachment and trust. And responding to your baby’s needs helps build that relationship with them and is actually the start of sending them out into the world as a happy, loved & confident human.

Research shows that the more you are 'manipulated' by your baby the more confident and secure they are as children and adults. Ok, replace manipulated by with 'respond to your baby's needs' and we're closer to the actual research. But every time you respond that bond grows.

Probably best to not help them if they're trying to get you to steal the neighbour's car though, no matter how shiny, fast and free from baby clutter it is.

06/17/2023

One teaspoon of human milk contains as many as 3 million germ-killing and immune building cells. Every drop counts, so be proud of every ounce you’ve given your baby!

05/25/2023

Good oral posture is so important for many aspects of lifelong health… and it’s best to start these habits as infants!

How do you keep good oral rest posture when you are sleeping 😴

When you have tongue range of motion, function and space ……….👅

➡️ the tongue makes a negative suction cup effect to seal itself to the roof of the mouth.

➡️ negative suction cup effect prevents the tongue from collapsing backwards.

05/11/2023

Today at 10AM!

Join us at 10! https://www.facebook.com/events/972339767552115

04/27/2023

04/22/2023

I am honored and excited to be speaking for the Michigan Midwives Association today, and looking forward to learning & collaborating with some Michigan midwives!

⭐️ Amazing speakers on Saturday! ⭐️

https://www.simpletix.com/e/mma-conference-april-21-22-2023-tickets-127489?fbclid=IwAR0Q0C6FG4QvxKpPYZakwepBJ-e4sUzopjwRxZsoWWJrOVQNBJR6obs16lI&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

04/13/2023

Today at 10am, FACEBOOK LIVE chat to help you navigate your journey with tongue tie. Recording available later. Find us at Shira Johnson Lactation on Facebook.

04/06/2023

The many myths around tongue tie!
Check out this 2nd in a series of FB lives about tethered oral tissue!

https://www.facebook.com/Craniosacralgrandrapids/videos/440912424907029/?notif_id=1680800443408517¬if_t=video_trimming_result&ref=notif