The Mama Coach - Christian Katushabe

08/07/2022

Is your friend, coworker, or family member expecting or recently welcomed their little bundle of joy?

Support from Christian -The Mama Coach may just be the gift they didn't know they needed! It will be empathetic, non-judgemental, compassionate and evidence based.

🤰🏽PREGNANCY SUPPORT:

💫 Parents-to-be can get a PRIVATE PRENATAL CLASS that is customized to their needs.

💫Mom can learn about ANTENATAL HAND EXPRESSION, a technique that sets her up for a successful breastfeeding journey, by building her colostrum storage and milk supply when baby arrives. Colostrum is only available for 3-5 days after baby is born, Imagine having a week or more's worth ahead of time?!

💫Mom can take a PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING CLASS , a great foundational course, that will empower mom to master this learned skill.

🧑‍🍼POSTPARTUM SUPPORT:

👶🏽Newborn Support- covers feeding, sleep, soothing and routines, plus address any challenges Mom may be experiencing.

🤱🏻Lactation Support- Breastfeeding consult, assessment and plan, with 1 week of support for both Mom and baby.

You can purchase a gift card 🎁or pick a specific service you feel your loved one would most love.

These services can be delivered in-person and/or virtually. Either way your gift will be thoughtful and an invaluable investment for the family!





See Link in Bio to book a Free Discovery Call, I will be happy to help!

07/07/2022

🍼Interested in Bottle Feeding your baby the "RIGHT" way? SWIPE for more.

🍼Babies have been bottle feeding FOREVER but did you know that there is a RIGHT and WRONG way to do it.

❌The "WRONG" way to bottle feed , expects the baby to empty the bottle at the end of the feed, the bottle is held vertically with the ni**le filled with milk. Ultimately the caregiver is in control and not the baby. Naturally, the baby will suck suck suck with no control over the caregiver's serving. Unfortunately, this does not allow for RESPONSIVE FEEDING, leading to unhealthy eating habits, overfeeding, excess gas, and discomfort.

✅The “RIGHT ” way , factors in some level of agency for the baby. Withbthe Caregiver holding the bottle horizontally without fully filling the ni**le, allows for a slower flow and allows the baby to control the feed.

🍼Paced Feeding mimics how a baby would breastfeed, by starting and stopping at their own pace as the caregiver pays attention to their hunger and fullness cues.

Was this helpful? Is your baby still struggling/refusing the bottle? I can help! See the link in my bio for a free discovery consult. Happy feeding!

14/06/2022

Deciding to use a pacifier or soother is a personal choice and by no means necessary.

However, at the Mama Coach we like to see it as your friend if not, a useful tool.The key is knowing why it is a useful tool and how to best use it.

⭐WHY?
Babies love to suck, for nutrition and non-nutritive needs. You probably saw your baby sucking their hand or thumb on the ultrasound,pure cuteness! So, a pacifier plays an important role during non-nutritive (comfort) sucking as it can help with post-feed sleep transition, fussiness/pain, and longer stretches of sleep when in their crib or bassinet. For newborns, the Canadian Pediatric Society recommends soothers as a protective tool from SIDS. The caveat is to wait until breastfeeding is established and more importantly when your milk comes in, as it is best given after the baby has fed, so as not to miss/confuse their hunger cues. Misuse can lead the baby to lose weight.

⭐HOW?
1.Provide after a feed
2.Express some breastmilk on soother,
3.Gently apply on baby’s lips, baby’s mouth will naturally open and tongue reflex will invite pacifier into mouth.
4.Apply gentle pressure in circular motions on baby’s tongue (gag reflex may occur, stop and try again but this time aim for the back roof of the mouth)
5.Do not force it into the mouth, advance slowly allowing the baby to naturally suck.
🔑Major Key: In the learning days, swaddle baby, place belly to belly and this should help them retain soother in their mouth.

🌟Not all babies take the soother, some reject it and that is okay. After 8 weeks, there is a greater chance the baby will never be interested, that is also fine.

What have you heard about soothers that was conflicting and is holding/held you back from trying? Let’s talk about it.

30/05/2022

Cluster feeding can be an exhausting time for a breastfeeding Mama but is it normal?

Simple answer is YES!!

⭐WHAT is it? This is when you newborn or infant feeds frequently with an insatiable hunger often noticed in the evening, when baby is most fussy. Can also be seen in a breastfeeding toddler but for different reasons.

⭐WHEN does it happen? around 2-3 days postpartum, 2-3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

⭐WHY? In newborns this is totally normal, they are growing leaps and bounds. They are likely "tanking up" on calories before bedtime, as this is often noticed by parents between the hours of 6- 10pm. Resultantly, baby may have a good stretch of nighttime sleep. As long as, it is not pain from colic, moms may notice this insatiable hunger often followed with evening fussiness.

⭐HOW do I deal with this? Accept that there is nothing you are doing wrong. You have enough milk and supplementation (formula) is not necessary (unless you have seen a lactation expert and it has been determined your supply is low). Continue meeting their demand. You baby is actually building your supply by cluster feeding and supplementing will only indicate to your body to make less milk. Try to wear your baby (in a carrier) to calm them down during those fussy times, skin to skin is also great, as your baby will calm down and become ready for a feed. A irritable baby will not feed, it will be frustrating for both of you. You can also pump and let your partner or support system help you feed your little one, while you take a break.

⭐WHEN does it stop? Around 6 weeks for newborns but with teething regressions, illness and even comfort, cluster feeding may continue to be experienced.

⭐Are you in the cluster feeding boat mama? Are you concerned that your supply might be insufficient? I may be able to help with methods to increase supply and alter the cluster feeding and fussiness, See link in bio to book a free 15 min consult.

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20/05/2022

Creating a Safe and Ideal sleep environment for your baby is often a parent’s highest priority.

Following these tips and guidelines can help keep a baby safe and improve the length and quality of their sleep.

Safest Sleeping Space- Crib, cradle or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. Baby should sleep in there alone and on their back, without the lovely bumper pads, teddies, lovies and hanging mobiles. This will limit the risk of SIDS.

Comfort- newborns still love being held and comforted to which swaddling for some babies can be comforting, soothing and can help extend sleep. However, some don’t love swaddles and prefer to have their arms and legs free, for these babies/toddlers a sleep sack can be your best bet, as it keeps them warm and helps with the startle reflex. Avoid loose blankets as these can increase chances of SIDS. Once a baby starts rolling and turning over a swaddle is no longer safe for them.

Darkness: Ideally a less stimulating middle of the night DARK environment can help signal the production of melatonin even in Newborns whose melatonin levels are near to non-existent. Using blackout curtains, blinds, car seat covers or portable curtains (in case you’re somewhere new), can make all the difference. Using soft yellow or orange toned lightning can also help when you have to feed or change their diaper.

Temperature: Ideal sleeping temperature is between 20-22°C (68-72°F). Baby’s hands and feet may feel cold but this is not necessarily an indication that they are cold. Check the core temperature (chest or back) for a more accurate check.

White Noise: helps block out surrounding noise and has a consistent vs. varying sound (i.e. crashing ocean waves). Safest at 50 decibels and 1 meter away from the baby.

Avoid exposure to smoking: The exposure to secondhand smoke can impair the baby’s breathing and heart rate, affecting their arousal (waking) patterns from sleep. This in turn increases their risk for SIDS, respiratory infections, severe asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis and ear infections.

Which of these tips was most interesting to you?

20/05/2022

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdtLlYyMMdz/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

raisingtito • Original Audio | Retro Baby Effect

12/05/2022

Baby sleep cues can be obvious to some and subtle to others, though missing them can make for unpleasant experience.

Missing your baby's sweet spot can lead to an overtired little munchkin, fussy and irritable. Naps will be thrown off and ultimately night sleep.

This can result in a “second wind” causing them to perk right back up, as they drive off of adrenaline with increasing cortisol levels, your fight or flight hormone. You may try to put them back to sleep but at this point, it is even harder.

It is important to note that for the newborn and older baby, with multiple naps, not every nap will be equal in length. They will be longer earlier in the day and shorter later, either way they need those naps to sleep well through the night and to make for happy baby during the day.

Ultimately, you know your baby best mama, what cues does your baby show when they are ready to 💤nap or sleep?

Is this something you are struggling to gauge? If so, I provide a free 15 min discovery call, where we can chat all things sleep, feeding and more. See link in bio to book a call.

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09/05/2022

The amount of time your baby or toddler stays awake can differ for each child. These are ideal wake windows, nap lengths and number of naps in a 24 hour period.

Awake windows- length of time your child is awake in between naps. These are so worth learning ,since knowing and keeping track of your child's wake windows will make all the difference in their bedtime sleep habits first, and naps later.

Naps- AKA daytime sleep, can vary with each nap and can be hard to navigate for infants and toddlers. Different hormones and developmental milestones are at play here. The circadian rhythm in this case, favours wakefulness. Learning your child's sleep cues, awake times, nap length and # of naps, can also make a difference in overnight sleep.

Are you struggling with your child's naps and awake windows? What are you doing to get those coveted naps?

As a Mama Coach I can assess your child's sleep challenges and feeding to help your family reach its sleeping goals.

Please remember, your child's sleep in not a problem unless it is a problem for you and your family. Each family has its own way of navigating sleep, as sleep is personal and at the Mama Coach we meet you where you're at and work with you to meet your goals. For that reason, our packages are not a one size fit all.

See Link in Bio for a free discovery call, let's chat about your little one's sleep.

02/05/2022

Newborn Sleep is unique! Here is why.⁠
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⭐Unlike older babies and adults, newborns (0-3 months) are yet to develop a circadian rhythm. As a result, their sleep patterns are not predictable. In utero, mom's melatonin passed through the placenta, supports the fetus' sleep but when they are born, this melatonin is nowhere to be found and their days and night cycles become mixed up. ⁠
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⭐On average, it takes 3 to 4 months for babies to develop their circadian rhythm and start producing melatonin. ⁠
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So, what does this mean for you MAMA, will you ever get your pre-baby sleep back, you ask? Well, I would be lying if I said yes, ⁠
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BUT, what I can say is this, understanding the science of newborn sleep, can help demystify this stage and potentially make it easier to manage. ⁠
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Here are questions you can think about, as you ponder your newborn's sleep.⁠
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How long is your baby awake between naps?⁠
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What do they do while they are awake?⁠
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How many times and how well do they feed during their awake times?⁠
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Where does your baby nap?⁠
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These and more inquiries can help a me as your Mama Coach, support your family in understanding your newborn's sleep and feeding habits, as both these go hand in hand. We would create a customized sleep plan collaboratively, to help your newborn develop healthy sleep habits. ⁠
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Note, this would not be sleep training, instead we would be meeti your baby where they are at developmentally. At the Mama Coach we believe sleep is personal and so is parenting.⁠
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🔝See the Link in Bio, click on my website for our Newborn Package, and while you are there, sign up for a FREE Awake Times Guide.⁠
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25/04/2022

Tongue Ties AKA ankyloglossia, occurs when a strip of skin (lingual frenulum) connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is either too short, thick or tight limiting the tongue's free range of motion,

Lip Ties occur when a similar strip of skin (frenulum) found behind the upper lip, and attached to the front gum, is too thick or stiff, limiting the lip from moving freely.

Often, these ties are improperly assessed or missed because for some time, they were and still are considered a fad by some healthcare providers.The severity is based on a grading system and not all ties cause issues requiring treatment (Frenectomy). However, in newborns, they can limit effective breastfeeding (BF), weight gain,overall temperament and so much more.

⭐BABY SIGNS
*Poor Latch- difficulty lifting and stretching out and/or curling the tongue around mother's ni**le
*Poor Flanging of lips (fish lips)- causes baby to clamp down on ni**le causing "ni**le feeding" versus "breastfeeding"
*Short feeds and never seems satisfied
*Poor Weight Gain-noticed after month 2 when baby has increased nutritional needs
*Fussy/Unsettled/Resisting Breast- occurs about 5-10 minutes into feed
*Long feeds, short break and feed again
*Clicking sound while feeding
*Dribbling Milk while BF
*Gas,Colic,Reflux
* Milk Blister

⭐MOTHER SIGNS:
*Painful breastfeeding-mother experiences excruciating pain with latch
*Sore,cracked or bleeding ni**les
*Mastitis-fullness of breast resulting in an infection
*Low-milk supply

✨As a Mama Coach, I am able to assess such oral restrictions and refer you and your baby to the appropriate specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Oral restrictions not only affects feeding and sleep but they can also; halt the breastfeeding journey and even speech development.

✨Please Mama don't suffer through the pain!

☎️Book a Free Discovery Call and let me know in the comments below/DM me, if you or your baby is experiencing these signs.

19/04/2022

✨Undersupply, what is it?

A low breastmilk supply noted or experienced by a lactating mother.

🙋🏾‍♀️If you are experiencing or experienced an undersupply. What effect did it or does it have on your breastfeeding journey? How did you manage it?
 
✨Preparation for breastfeeding is a good way to get a head start on the process but also getting an assessment and individualized plan from a lactation counsellor/consultant can help mitigate undersupply, regardless of the causes.
 
✨I can help! See link in bio for my upcoming Prenatal Breastfeeding Workshop on May 7th and/or book a free discovery call with me for a consult. Remember the earlier the better!

15/04/2022

There is absolutely no judgement here, topic might be triggering but this is only an informative post**

💫Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply (PIMS), often confused with Undersupply is a multifactorial problem with multifactorial outcomes. However, it is NOT one to be ignored. It is sighted in research as a common cause to the end of the breastfeeding relationship between mom and baby.

💫The ingenuity of formula,especially in developed countries was a game changer. Many mothers had an alternative and excellent option to feed and supplement their babies, where their bodies could not produce enough milk to nourish their babies. However, a generation of formula fed babies,along with well placed marketing, limited lactation knowledge within families, communities and even healthcare providers. As a result, this led to a limited understanding of the appropriate behaviour seen in breastfed babies, and the lactating mother's body.

💥For example, a breastfed baby may cluster feed every 2-3hours versus every 3-4 hours with formula. This, may lead a mom to think baby is hungry all the time, or that she must have a low supply. When in reality,breastmilk is easier for baby to digest, and cluster feeding is normal. Alternatively, the proteins in formula are complex for baby's developing digestive system thus, taking longer for baby to digest and lengthening the time in between feeds.

💫Evidence-informed research has improved and returned breastfeeding and breastmilk knowledge. More mothers in developed countries are breastfeeding and lactation support is readily available within communities.

Mama raise your hand🙋‍♀️, if you or someone you know has experienced PIMS. What was your experience?

🗣MAY 7th, 2022, I will be providing a Prenatal Breastfeeding Workshop, to give expecting moms and their support partners a head-start on breastfeeding success before baby arrives.

💫See link in bio for eventbrite link and please like and share!❤️❤️

11/04/2022

Shouldn't this be a good problem to have? In this case, supply exceeds demand!⁠
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Some mothers naturally produce more than their baby requires, this can be hard on a newborn's digestion. Mothers will have a forceful letdown that makes it difficult for the baby to control. As a result ,the baby will arch their back to resist the feed, choke, cough and cry in protest. If the baby does take some milk it will mostly be foremilk (low fat), which is low in calories, making for a hungry and frequent feeder. Baby may have signs of reflux and parents may notice green stools instead of yellow seedy stools.⁠
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Oversupply can be controlled and managed. Uncontrolled, baby may struggle with weight gain, sleep and the breastfeeding journey may end prematurely. ⁠
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A Mama Coach can provide a feeding assessment, sleep assessment and create working plans and referrals to support mom and baby through oversupply.⁠
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How do/did you handle your oversupply?⁠
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07/04/2022

Happening May 7th! I hope you will join me. See link in bio for Eventbrite link.

This will be a 60 minute virtual workshop.

In this workshop we will discuss what you can do during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding. What to do in the immediate postpartum period. As well as, potential concerns you may encounter during your breastfeeding journey. You will have access to the recording for 30 days and you will receive a FREE 40-page breastfeeding e-book! A free 15-min 1-on-1 video-conference pre-baby to assess readiness to breastfeed.

Topics: Breast Anatomy , Colostrum, Types of Milk, Latching , Feeding Cues, Effective Feeding, Feeding Concerns, Breast Care and Supplementation.

Please share with an expecting Mama or interested parent. See you there!

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06/04/2022

You get home and your baby seems to be struggling with breastfeeding . You worry about your baby’s nutrition and your milk supply.

This can all be very confusing and to say the least, undeniably stressful for you and your baby. Ultimately, it is not your fault Mama!

Here are some of the common reasons breastfeeding fails:

✨Oversupply/ Overactive Letdown

✨Undersupply

✨Tongue tie

✨Prematurity

✨Flat/ Inverted ni**les

✨Engorgement

✨Thrush

✨Reynauds

✨Jaundice

✨Mastitis

✨Plugged Ducts

Dr. Google can be a daunting place for a diagnosis. As a Registered Nurse and your Mama Coach, I am available and ready to assess you and your baby, support and provide appropriate specialist referrals. All these conditions can be treated and your feeding journey can continue.

In the meantime, Fed is Always Best! Formula is a great option😉

💫See link in bio for services provided. Feel free to DM me.

🙋🏾‍♀️❓Are you or did you experience any of these conditions? How and where did you find support? Did this lead to the end of your breastfeeding/pumping journey or did you carry on?

👩🏾‍💻Let’s chat, you are not alone!

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04/04/2022

It can often be confusing to know when your baby is satisfied whether they feed by bottle or breast, but getting to know these cues/signs can help demystify the experience.

⭐Knowing your baby's hunger and fullness cues is not only helpful for the parent but it is also key to lifelong healthy feeding habits for your child .

📚Ongoing research defines this relationship as responsive feeding where "you provide and your child decides", essentially giving your child control over their satiety.

📚Various studies have found that responsive feeding may diminish picky eating, undernutrition, child/adulthood obesity,and may promote a healthy relationship with food.

⭐Share this post and the previous one on hunger cues with anyone that helps feed your baby and anyone that may find this beneficial.

⭐See link in bio for available feeding services and support. Prenatal Feeding Workshop coming soon! Stay tuned!

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31/03/2022

👩🏽‍🍼First, please ✨be kind ✨to yourself Mama! Remember sucking is a natural reflex for your baby and breastfeeding is a ✨learned skill✨for the both of you. It gets better, you will love the bond, convenience and so much more!!!
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✨10 Steps to Effective Feeding⁠✨
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1. Get comfortable in your favourite chair, grab a breastfeeding pillow for baby’s body⁠.
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2. Support baby’s body belly to belly with you and choose a comfortable position (football hold, cradle, cross cradle). Football hold is great, it provides a better view of baby and control of the process. ⁠
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3. Support baby’s neck and shoulders with one hand, avoid holding baby’s head, they will push back! Then, use your spare hand to create a “C” sandwich around the higher part of the breast to help leverage the ni**le to the roof of baby’s mouth. This will help with a deep latch and stimulate milk ducts.⁠
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4. Start baby in a Nose to Ni**le position, this will allow baby to open mouth wide, confidently bring baby to breast, allowing for a deep latch that flanges baby’s mouth around the ar**la (breast tissue surrounding ni**le) and avoid ni**le sucking!⁠
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5. Listen for the rhythm and feel the sensation of “suck, suck, swallow”, swallow is a pause.⁠
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6. Don’t time the feed instead, watch your baby for cues and practice offering Dinner (breast 1) and Dessert (breast 2).
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7. Provide breast compression with slow sucking or flutter sucks, babe may continue breastfeeding but if they seems tired or sleepy remove them from that breast. Do this using your pinky finger in mouth to break suction, burp baby and place on next breast.⁠
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8. Offer dessert (breast 2) next, baby may feed some more but if they seem sleepy, end feed, and burp baby.⁠
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9. Settle baby for sleep⁠
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10. For the next feed, start on the dessert breast, this will become the dinner breast.⁠
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✨Goal ✨⁠
-plenty wet and dirty diapers⁠
-alert for feeds every 3-4 hours⁠
-gaining weight ⁠
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✨Save, share with another Mama or DM me for a breastfeeding workshop or virtual/in-home consult, should you require 1-on-1 support. See link-in bio!⁠✨

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30/03/2022

Ever wonder how some people just know when a quiet baby is hungry?! 🧐

Well newborns are amazing little people, they start communicating so early and, I am here to give you an “IN” into their not-so-secret language, before things escalate.😳🙆🏻‍♀️

But, what to do if things escalate?

1. Calm baby: skin to skin contact, cuddle, gently rock, sing, stroke. Or do whatever brings peace and calm for you and your baby.

2. Offer the Breast or Bottle. Hopefully this does the trick.

BTW, big feelings are inevitable, even for super mom.🦸🏻‍♀️

If we can catch them early, a calm baby makes for a content and better feeder, in the early days and beyond!

Is baby still upset and inconsolable? Are they refusing the feed? This can be very frustrating and leave you feeling defeated . If you would like a 1-on 1 consult, book a free 15-min discovery call with me, see Link in bio for more info.

✨Be kind to yourself and take the journey one day at a time. You Got this Mama!!✨

📸 Developed by Women and Newborn Services of Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

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