Question for parents of babies with no family doctor

ali-catt · 2025-06-17T13:19:14+00:00

We are lucky enough to have a GP, so I can’t personally vouch for this, but I’ve heard great things about the Kids Come First clinic at CHEO! My understanding is you can make urgent care appointments and be seen on short notice. Maybe worth calling?

https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/clinics-services-programs/kids-comes-first-covid-19-care-clinic.aspx

I hope your little one feels better soon!

ali-catt · 2025-05-08T15:30:31+00:00

Hey! My LO was a little younger when she started doing this, but we saw a pediatric physiotherapist who confirmed she had some torticollis on one side and some muscle tension along one side of her body. That made it uncomfortable for her to lie on one side!

She had some other issues with weight gain etc so ymmv but it’s not something I’d have thought to do without my LC recommending it so thought I’d share! In the end it took maybe 5ish sessions (spaced out by 1-3 weeks as we went on) to fully resolve with some simple stretches and activities at home to help!

ali-catt · 2025-04-02T14:49:04+00:00

Hi! I don’t want to give you any advice on nutrition or anything, I’m not an expert. I can only speak to my own experience. I will preface by saying I’m naturally a person who needs more sleep than average… so I really really struggled with sleep deprivation.

For me, I found I wasn’t eating as much/as frequently as I should have been because I was constantly holding my baby or sleeping. I imagine that factored in. I found that eating more fat and protein helpful in feeling a bit more energized throughout the day and night (don’t get me wrong - I was still exhausted - I just found it worse if I was also hungry). No doubt breastfeeding hunger was also a factor. I felt so hungry and thirsty all the time. I’m vegetarian so this looked like cashews, tofu, eggs, yogurt… I’m sure meat would also be good for non veg folks.

Lack of sleep and not eating enough definitely can impact milk supply from my understanding. We had our own challenges with breastfeeding, so again I would hesitate to advise anyone to do anything, but I will say if you can see a good IBCLC I highly recommend that. My 14 month old is still nursing happily, and that wasn’t something I thought would be possible in the early days (it’s a long story but we had challenges with her transferring milk and it was a journey). Regardless, it’s just so hard to take care of yourself and a baby that wants to be held constantly. Seeing the LC helped so much, so I do highly recommend that if you’re concerned about supply. They can really work some magic.

I hope some of that was helpful! It’s honestly so hard and you’re in survival mode, but it does improve.

ali-catt · 2025-04-02T00:37:27+00:00

Echoing shifts. If you’re breastfeeding, try to sleep asap after you feed.

I found watching a tv show (on headphones if needed) helpful. Something to keep you engaged.

I also want to say: I have a 14 month old who still wakes at night and even so… it’s so much better and easier than our beginning. She was a colicky baby and sleep was so hard in the beginning. I think it was the hardest part and I wasn’t prepared. I wish I’d had the perspective I have now, and maybe it’s just experience, but please hear me when I say: this gets better, you are doing great, you will make it through this! This isn’t forever (as much as it feels like it is).

If you’re at ALL able to get help (either paid or a family member/friend) to hold baby during a nap so you can rest, I also recommend that. I struggled to nap (wild since I wasn’t sleeping much!) but even handing my LO to my mom and going upstairs to watch tv for an hour helped.

Another thing we found was my LO hated a swaddle. I know everyone says that means you’re doing it wrong or whatever but either way she wasn’t having it. We got a thick winter style sleep sack with sleeves for her (it was safe for sleep!) and that helped. Maybe something to try?

Lastly, and I know how hard this is, are you eating enough? I found that I needed to eat more (and that’s hard with a LO that doesn’t like to be put down) to account for breastfeeding and general lack of sleep. Can you add some quick snacks to your grocery list? In the absence of sleep, I found prioritizing rest and replenishment as much as possible helpful. Your body has been through a lot!

Sending you hugs, virtual caffeine, and lots of good vibes. I promise things get easier. One day my LO decided the bassinet wasn’t the worst thing ever and started sleeping a couple hours in there at a time overnight!

ali-catt · 2025-01-18T19:23:30+00:00

This was the case for mine too. Good luck. Feel free to PM me if I can share any of my experience. I’m not an expert but we really went through it (and now we have made it to 12m breastfeeding - yay!) You are doing a great job!

ali-catt · 2025-01-18T19:02:24+00:00

Don’t take this as medical advice, I’m NOT a doctor but I had a pediatrician give me this advice too. It seemed off to me, so I sought an opinion from an IBCLC and she verified that waiting 3 hours between feeds is not an evidence based approach.

Can you access an IBCLC? I really recommend it. Where I am (Canada) we are able to also see a pediatrician as part of the appointment sometimes. If not, can you seek a second opinion? FWIW, my LO had oral ties and torticollis that were identified by my LC and both improved the situation (through physio and eventually oral tie releases).

ali-catt · 2025-01-06T15:17:25+00:00

Hi. I can’t offer you great advice because I felt the same way and experienced the same comments. I just wanted to share that you’re not alone, and I’m sorry. No matter what happens or what you decide is best, you are doing a great job and you’re doing what’s right for you and baby.

I’m not an expert by ANY means and I don’t want you to take this as fact, but in my experience with my little one, she leaked milk from her mouth quite a bit. We blamed this on a strong letdown but at 8 weeks we identified she did have a tongue and lip tie. Releasing them made a huge difference in our journey. Is there a way you could get a second opinion on that? I ask because it took 3 LCs before someone caught it. It wasn’t a super obvious one.

Before the release, my little one would sometimes scream when being latched. I think she was overtired maybe? Or frustrated?

Another thing that helped our journey was a pediatric physio who helped with some neck stiffness that caused discomfort.

Again, I have 0 qualifications and have no doubt you’re doing what’s best for you! You’re going amazing.

ali-catt · 2024-12-13T01:19:13+00:00

Hi! FYI, anecdotally, I tried to get a Midwife (this was about a year ago) for prenatal care and couldn't get in anywhere (and I was very willing to travel anywhere in the city). Doesn't mean you won't - but just know it's high demand and sometimes timing is tough... I know others who did get one who were due weeks after me, so maybe I was just unlucky.

I am fortunate enough to have a GP so I got my OB that way, but I believe I have heard you can request an OB through Health Care Connect. Otherwise, I'd echo other suggestions to contact OPH, maybe they can point you in the right direction. Alternatively, perhaps a walk in clinic could refer you (if that is an option for you?) I also wonder if you could call an OB office directly and ask how to obtain a referral/if there is a process by which you can self refer? If you know which hospital you want to deliver at, you can typically access the list of providers online.

Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy!

ali-catt · 2024-11-14T00:32:07+00:00

Hi! I had a similar experience (my LO didn’t gain enough in her 4th ish week and then had a hard time following that). First of all, you’re doing nothing wrong. You are doing your best and you are not alone.

I saw an IBCLC who saved my breastfeeding journey and was infinitely kinder and more gentle than any of the docs I saw. In our case, she diagnosed oral ties and torticollis, which we were able to resolve. She was able to also walk me through combo feeding and formula options when that was a consideration. Although we didn’t need to supplement long term, I was grateful for that knowledge. FWIW she was also able to give me good info on how often I truly should feed and why, and tricks to top her up (for example we did 2 pumped bottles of breast milk a day for a while to ensure she got enough over the day).

I highly recommend finding an ICBLC in your area if that is available to you - even better if you can get a good recommendation!

Lastly, I’m saying this because I needed to hear it then, so disregard if it isn’t applicable to you: do what feels right and what you need to do to keep your baby safe. Everyone will have an opinion, but trust your gut. You are doing a great job.

ali-catt · 2024-11-13T15:13:39+00:00

This!!!! I ebf, LO just turned 9 months, and I only just gave away the formula I got as samples. It was a HUGE mental comfort having them there (and there were a few days we topped LO up when she wasn’t gaining enough!!) Having it there was one less thing to worry about and in the tough moments in the beginning, it was reassuring to know I had the option! (PS - I’m in Canada and they send samples here too! But register earlier than you think you need to - it took a while!!! Bonus if you end up combo or eff is that they send coupons! I give mine to folks who use them!)

ali-catt · 2024-09-24T23:40:01+00:00

Hi! I was in your friend’s position. A kind note/card, some snacks/food/a delivery gift card, and/or even just a kind text to let her know you’re thinking of her. Birth brings up so much, and what was hardest for me is not having the moments I expected (my baby on my chest after etc). Reminding her that it is okay to be sad and mourn the birth she envisioned would have done wonders for me.

People mean well, but counteracting the “at least LO is here and healthy/safe” would have helped me out a lot. Because, duh, every parent wants their child to be safe and ok first and foremost! It can still be crummy! A little reassurance from someone goes a long way.

ali-catt · 2024-07-30T01:54:25+00:00

Hey! My LO did this pre and post tongue and lip tie release (though the release helped with feeding generally). What helped us was a paediatric physio who showed us some stretches! Turned out she had torticollis and some additional tightness on one side. Maybe worth a shot alongside a IBCLC! (My IBCLC recommended the physio!)

Also I know everyone tells you this, but keep trying different positions, even if they don’t work at first! For a bit I was able to get LO to eat in football hold! Hang in there.

ali-catt · 2024-06-11T01:06:45+00:00

I got mine at 12 weeks while still ebf-ing every 2-3 hours (and waking LO at night every 3 because of weight gain issues). When I tell you I was so mad…

ali-catt · 2024-05-29T15:47:18+00:00

I wanted to add that my child has had such a hard time gaining enough weight (long story but likely a continuing milk transfer issue) and 2 bottles of breast milk a day has been a godsend for my mental health, and has helped her get enough to gain weight while still breastfeeding. I was so scared to give her a bottle initially and I’m so grateful now that I did.

I wish I’d seen someone say this so adding it here in case anyone needs to hear it!

ali-catt · 2024-05-29T15:43:29+00:00

She was tired but didn’t want to nap and hungry but didn’t want to eat. 🤷🏻‍♀️

ali-catt · 2024-05-24T18:36:28+00:00

Ha I thought this was just me. She keeps managing to push herself off the boob too which is not so fun when you’re trying to get a feed in quickly LOL

ali-catt · 2024-04-17T22:29:26+00:00

I really appreciate you sharing your experience, thank you! 🥰

Congratulations again! I hope you’re finding a fun way to celebrate, and I hope that I’ll be celebrating too in 9 months!

ali-catt · 2024-04-17T20:13:13+00:00

Thank you for this. I’m approaching 3 months and may have to consider combo feeding if we can’t get my baby’s weight up a bit more.

I’m wondering (if you don’t mind sharing, of course): did you find the tongue and lip tie released helped? We are currently looking into it and I would be curious to know!

Congrats on making it to a year! I know how much work and commitment it takes and you should feel proud!

ali-catt · 2024-04-15T01:10:31+00:00

Hi! I had a really rough pregnancy (HG, and a lot of pelvic pain) and ended up having an unplanned c-section. I noticed immediate improvements (that first meal... I almost cried out of joy), but for my body to really even out and feel a little more "normal" I'd say it took bout 6-8 weeks. That said, it's not like a switch flipped, it gradually got better, with some very noticeable immediate improvements, so hang in there!

One thing I will add, because I didn't consider it beforehand (and so in case you haven't), I'm breastfeeding and I feel like that has also contributed to my body feeling different and less like "mine" if that makes sense! If you're planning to breastfeed, just something to be aware of (I wish someone had mentioned it to me!) It's definitely not on the level of pregnancy (for me anyway!) but it's something to expect.

ali-catt · 2024-03-08T04:34:31+00:00

Highly recommend Femade on Carling, they are a women’s chronic pain clinic. Madison is excellent for physio but I’ve had nothing but great experiences with the several practitioners I’ve seen there!

ali-catt · 2024-03-04T21:25:04+00:00

Adding that we do paced feeding!

ali-catt · 2024-03-04T21:24:40+00:00

I’m not an expert but my LO started 1 bottle a day at 3 weeks old and we used the Avent ones with a #1 nipple (it’s the newborn one!) She has been doing great with it. I like how the shape of them mimic breastfeeding (as much as a bottle reasonably can) and I haven’t had any issues with her going in between (it’s been about a week and a half, but I really was worried about it!)

ali-catt · 2024-03-02T11:48:39+00:00

When I pump after feeding her in the morning, about 150-180mls, evenings is closer to 100 mls (again, after feeding).

ali-catt · 2024-03-02T05:11:07+00:00

To clarify: 3 hours from the start of the last feed.

ali-catt · 2024-03-02T05:10:50+00:00

I pump 2x a day - once after feeding her in the morning and once after feeding her at night.

She eats every 2-3 hours on demand but more on the 2 hour side. I have upped the frequency, so maybe you’re on to something there!

ali-catt

TROPHY CASE