Full Hearts Collaborative: Multiples Education & Lactation Care

01/09/2024

06/06/2023

I know, I know some of you are saying, “YES you can! I’ve seen the clog/plug come out myself and/or have seen videos of it happening!”

BUT the truth is… this IS NOT the clog itself.

— WAIT WHAT? ⬇️

New research by the ABM reveals that plugged ducts are areas in the breast/chest where inflammation has occurred, causing reduced milk flow (also called “ductal narrowing”).

It was previously thought that thickened milk formed the “plug” or “clog” that impeded milk flow in a single area and if you could just suction/get that out then — problem solved. However, it is now understood that this is NOT the case.

The thickened or static milk happens as a RESULT of the underlying problem which is inflammation and subsequently ductal narrowing. So, unless we address the root of the problem, INFLAMMATION, you may continue to experience repeated clogged/plugged ducts.

📢 NO AMOUNT OF:

❌ Pumping
❌ Extra feedings
❌ Haaka epsom salt soaks
❌ Heat/hot water
❌ Dangle feeding
❌ Squeezing
❌ Massaging
❌ Vibrating
❌ Suctioning

Is going to fix the ACTUAL issue (INFLAMMATION).

♦️These all actually make the problem worse because they increase inflammation, irritation, and can potentially cause tissue damage.

INSTEAD we want to decrease inflammation and narrowing of those ducts and get to the ROOT of the problem by:

✔️Seeking help from a lactation professional
✔️Using anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (consult a healthcare provider)
✔️Using sunflower lecithin (consult a lactation/healthcare provider)
✔️Utilizing cold instead of heat
✔️Avoid heavy massage/squeezing
✔️Maintaining your NORMAL feeding/pumping schedule (no extra stimulation)

✨Find a chapter near you with lactation professionals available to help you!
✨Website: https://globalmilcom.org/find-a-chapter

06/04/2023

Wondering where to find more information on twin parenting resources? Check out all of our services at the link below. Offering online twin prenatal classes, telehealth lactation care for twin families, and so much more!

A Prenatal Multiples Education Resource & Expert Lactation Care Private Practice

06/04/2023

😂😂

Fair pay for honest work. 🤝🥛

05/14/2023

I knew nothing other than two...Nothing other than you.
I wasn't prepared to be a mom of twins.
I wasn’t prepared for the long anxious nights
The worry and stress over each ounce gained or lost
The feelings of being torn in two not knowing who to soothe first
I wasn't prepared to feel desperate for sleep, help, comfort, even escape.
I wasn’t prepared to trust my body with the seemingly impossible task of feeding you both.
I wasn't prepared to feel a deep, primal jealousy of friends with “just one”.
To constantly question if there had been a mistake, if I was really cut out for this.

I also wasn't prepared for every second of hardship to be wiped away by just a few sweet moments in our day - like the smell of two freshly bathed babies or the feel of four chubby arms wrapped around me.
I hadn't been prepared for the desperate wish to freeze time, brought on by having two warm babies snuggled together on my chest.
I wasn't prepared for the ache of love in my heart when I opened their door each morning; Two huge smiles, ear to ear, greeting the center of their universe.
I wasn't prepared for how incredible it was to witness two babies truly recognize their best friend as they looked into each other’s eyes.

I didn't know how sweet the sound of the them laughing and babbling to each other would be.

I wasn't prepared to feel healed, seeing my twice-answered prayers right before me.

Or how powerful I’d feel knowing I created not one, but two beautiful little beings.

I hadn’t been prepared to become a mother of two tiny, fragile babies at once - but the gratitude I have for them brings me to my knees. It takes my breath away.

Still to this day, even when I can't imagine being stretched any farther, my heart infinitely fills with enough love for them both.

Thank you Universe, for choosing me.
For making me a mother in the only way I know, the only way I am, and the only way I would ever want to be. ❤️

04/15/2023

We have an early Mother's Day present for all of those currently expecting! Enter MOTHERSDAY20 for $20 off any of our upcoming classes.
We have both an Expecting Twins and a Breastfeeding Twins online class with spaces open this Sunday, April 16th. Message us with any questions!

Our full schedule can be found at www.fullheartscollaborative.com

03/21/2023

Did you know that your insurance plan likely covers FREE virtual lactation consultations? Click here to check your coverage: https://go.lactationnetwork.com/FullHeartsCollaborative
If you are breastfeeding twins, you need a lactation consultant who can confidently navigate the unique challenges of feeding two babies - unfortunately not all can. Virtual care allows you to have the benefits of a twin specialist even if there isn’t one in your area.
Hi! I’m Lindsay Castiglione, owner of Full Hearts Collaborative, a lactation private practice specializing in twins. Long before I was a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), I was a new twin mama. Our first set arrived at 30 weeks and while I had lactation support in the NICU, working one-on-one with an LC specializing in twins would have been a GAME CHANGER - to say the least.
Accepting insurance has been such a gift in the work I do with families. Without the stress of paying out of pocket, I an able to see families weekly or bi-weekly until they feel 100% confident in feeding their twins. I support families in realistic breastfeeding goals - whether that be transitioning from bottle to breast/chest, tandem feeding, fl**ge fitting, exclusively pumping for twins, eliminating triple feeding or supplementing, building a twin milk supply, and so much more.
I also accept insurance for prenatal consultations, providing the education and strategies parents need to get the best possible start. I help parents make informed feeding choices when their babies arrive, so they can avoid many of the struggles I see so frequently.
Please reach out today to learn more about how I can support you in feeding your twins, through free telehealth lactation sessions.

01/26/2023

How do you plan to feed your twins?
If your twins have arrived, did you feed one of these ways? Let us know in the comments below!👇🏼
Hi! I’m Lindsay, a twin-specialist lactation consultant (IBCLC) and mom to two sets of twins. 🙋🏼‍♀️
Many expecting parents I work with are looking for flexibility in how they feed their babies. They have heard of the benefits of breastfeeding, but anticipate needing help with two newborns and aren’t sure how it will all work. There are many ways to make sure your babies get the benefits of your milk, while also balancing the needs of you & your family! ❤️
A primary focus of my Breastfeeding Twins online class is teaching ALL of the different options for optimally feeding your multiples. This is a huge reason to take this class over a traditional singleton-focused breastfeeding that looks mainly at nursing at the breast/chest.
If you want to learn about all of these options and how to make them work for your family, sign up for my next online class at www.fullheartscollaborative.com - you can also follow the links in my bio. ❤️

01/06/2023

A few months into my journey exclusively feeding our second set of twins, a relative commented "I've never seen a woman eat like that before!" while he sat next to me at a family function. & I wish l'd had this statistic to throw at them in that moment. 🤬
It's generally accepted that for every ounce of milk produced 20 calories are burned. This equates to about 1000cal/day if producing 50oz, but even if combo feeding you still are burning those calories. Just multiply your daily output by 20, and that's about what you can expect.
In other words, listen to your body and nourish it during this time! You are working hard to create that milk, every minute of every day.
Of course, there can be differences person to person and for some the body will actually hold on to maternal fat stores to help protect milk supply. It's so amazing how the human body physio ogically protects its voung, but know this can be frustrating for those wishing to lose weight postpartum.
What was your experience with hunger and nutrition postpartum when feeding twins? Share in the comments below.

12/24/2022

The transition of becoming a parent is hard. Having it coincide with the holidays offers a whole new dynamic.
Be kind to vourself and know it's ok to put you, your spouse, and your babies first. It's quite simply not your job * to make other people ok with that.
Share with a fellow new twin (or singleton!) parent who might benefit from these holiday affirmations.

Full Hearts Collaborative provides a full array of online prenatal twin prep classes in addition to specialized virtual lactation care for multiples. Follow us for all things multiples & lactation!

11/25/2022

Our way of showing how very thankful we are to be a mainstay of online twin parenting resources! ♥️ It is such an honor to have supported countless families on their twin parenting journey.
From now until 11/30, use these promo codes to save on any of our upcoming classes & consultations.
To celebrate, I am offering our biggest savings yet:
15% off one class
25% off two classes or a Virtual Lactation Consultation
15% off with THANKFUL15 on:
Expecting Twins
Breastfeeding Twins
BF Twins for the Experienced Parent
Newborn Feeding Workshop for Twins
25% off two classes or one of the following private lactation consultations:
Prenatal Twin Consultation
Newborn Twin Consultation Exclusively Pumping for
Twins
NICU to Home Transition
If you have been managing a challenging situation feeding your twins, this is your sign to seek support from not only a professional lactation consultant (IBCLC), but also a 2-time twin mama.
Questions? Not sure what type of support is right for you? Send me a message below, l'm always happy to chat.