Full Hearts Collaborative: Multiples Education & Lactation Care

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.

01/06/2023

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.

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my fellow twin parents!
Though the days can be challenging, I think we can all agree - we are incredibly thankful for having multiples each and every day.
Tag a friend who you know is thankful for their twins, triplets or more!💗
For more information on our prenatal twin classes and lactation services for multiples, please follow or go to www.fullheartscollaborative.com.

11/10/2022

🎬 Most parents with ONE baby feel like getting out of the house is a production, but with twins it requires serious strategy. The good news? It will get easier with experience, and even more so as the daily schedule becomes more predictable.
🎯 Even though we are entering flu & RSV season, there will still be inevitable trips to the pediatrician or grocery store, and of course, Target. With a little planning, these outings can go smoothly - and even be enjoyable.
♥️ During my Expecting Twins online class, I teach parents-to-be that getting out daily even for a short walk can be very beneficial for both parents and babies. On a tough day when caring for two newborns, fresh air and a change of scenery can be a great way to reset your perspective.
👨‍👧‍👦 Seasoned twin parents: What are your best tips for smooth outings with twins, triplets or more?

10/22/2022

Let’s talk about tandem feeding! What are your tips for new twin or triplet mamas?
I remember assuming since I was having twins, tandem feeding would come naturally. Two breasts ➡️ Two babies ➡️ Simple, right?
The reality is this isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds, and it often takes some support for most mamas to be able to primarily tandem feed.
These are just a few of the tips I talk about during my Breastfeeding Twins class to help make tandem feeding more manageable in the early days.
As a mom of two sets of twins and an IBCLC (lactation consultant), I am uniquely qualified to work with my fellow twin parents wishing to provide milk for their multiples. I provide private virtual sessions on transitioning from individual nursing or exclusively pumping to tandem feeding, where I walk you through everything from set up to finishing a feeding & everything in between. I even take some insurances for these telehealth sessions. ♥️
If you would like additional support or to take one of my prenatal classes, DM me or comment below!

10/17/2022

When being next to your Twin just isn't enough 🍒 | 📷

09/09/2022

These are real and valid feelings. It's okay to not LOVE your exact situation every single moment of the day.

That means you are honoring yourself, body and mind.

I still have body trauma from newborn days with my twins. I'm hoping to seek therapy for it soon 🙏🏻

Much love, mamas 💛🤍

08/30/2022

Ahhh.... Remember those days?😂
Most of us would say the newborn period with multiples was the most exhausted we've ever been in our entire lives. It is not our finest hour, but thankfully we all survive!
Why not learn the tricks a 2-time twin mama has learned through experience? During our Expecting Twins class, I teach many tried-and-true strategies to get the most possible sleep through this challenging time.
If you are expecting, don't be caught without a plan - make sure to sign up for one of our upcoming prenatal multiples classes!
Visit our friends at to find an amazing community of twin moms like you! ♥️