Breasts. Every woman has them so we assume that breastfeeding is something that will come easy and naturally to us. Nothing is further from the truth!
For many mamas, breastfeeding is a life-changing experience. The majority of moms I know that were able to breastfeed their babies describe their nursing experience with tears. Pain. Feelings of inadequacy. So many physical and emotional issues surround something that seems so natural.
I nursed my first child but it was not your typical breast-feeding experience. She was born two months early so my relationship was more like a relationship with a Medela pump – at least for the first several months. In preparing for babe #2, I wanted to be successful right from the start, so I contacted Angela Swieter with Basking Babies, LLC. Angela is a a mom/ baby nurse, doula, and educator who is a private practice International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I will be breaking down my experience with her services in a few posts so be sure to stay connected to learn more.
I had heard amazing things about Angela’s services from my mama friends, heard her speak at our New and Expecting Moms event, and knew she would have a wealth of advice for me. I can’t recommend her enough.
Why working with Angela is a win-win for any new or seasoned mama:
Convenient
Angela comes to your house. Not only is it a huge time saver but we’re all more comfortable in our own abode. You can sure have a visit with her at her Altoona location but if loading up kids and a newborn seems daunting to you like it did me, the home visit is an awesome service she provides.
Her Approach
Angela’s visits were relaxed and helpful. She is personable and approachable and she is very objective. She carefully listens to your needs, challenges, and desires for what you want to know or learn and offers advice but doesn’t push. She helps set goals and follows up to see if you need to adjust those.
Resources
Angela offers more than just her one-on-one experience and assistance. Her website is filled with a huge arsenal of resources.
There are articles about pumping, plugged ducts, foods to eat, how to latch etc. Angela offers simple and helpful solutions to several breastfeeding challenges called “cupboard cures” or things you would have in your own pantry. These are a great compliment to resources like Kellymom and Jack Newman.
Angela also offers several products in her boutique like ‘motherhood’ tea, a ‘better breastmilk’ tea, bathsoap and more.
Community
Not only does she offer her personal guidance and resources but a huge community of support! Angela offers all kinds of classes, opportunities to connect with other moms, learn valuable knowledge and gain insight, etc.
- Baby, Breastfeeding and Blues
Angela teaches this 2 ½ hour holistic class designed to help you ease into parenthood more prepared. Topics like caring for a new baby, getting breastfeeding off to a great start, and understanding the changes (and warning signs) as mom recovers both physically and emotionally. - Breastfeeding Anew
If you struggled with breastfeeding last time, Angela shares how to make breastfeeding more successful with your next baby. - The Pumping Class
Rebekah, RN CLC and working mom of three teaches this class which covers pumping! Pumps, handling and storing breastmilk, bottle introduction, talking to your employer, maintaining supply, etc. The class discussion is geared towards the needs and concerns of those who attend. - Massage for Baby’s First Year
This class will be instructed by a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) who is also a Certified Child Life Specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The massage techniques taught in this class will be especially useful for baby’s first year of life. - Skip Baby Puree (AKA Understanding Baby-led Weaning and More)
Marieta, a registered and licensed dietitian and IBCLC teaches the process of baby led weaning and when your baby is ready to start self-feeding. The instructor will discuss why your baby doesn’t need to start with pureed foods and what you can offer instead. Learn what nutrients are essential for your little one and what foods will meet your baby’s growing needs. - Learn-at-home: Babies and Dogs
Need information on how to prepare for bringing a baby home to a dog (or two or three) in the house? Family Paws Parent Education has designed the first international program entitled “Dogs and Storks”. This program is for new and expectant families who are preparing their family dog(s) for life with a baby. This packet of information contains the DVD and 9 handouts to help you prepare. The cost is $20. A local family who has a 6 month old with a large dog in the house watched the DVD. Email [email protected] if interested. - Annual Conference: Every year Basking Babies’ hosts a fall conference for the healthcare, breastfeeding, and baby community. This year’s topics will be: Lactation Support for the Preterm and Late Preterm Baby & Promoting Optimal Breastfeeding in the Latino Community. The date of this year’s conference is November 6, 2015. Detailed information on the conference can be found on the 2015 Conference Page.
About Angela
Meet Angela E. Swieter, Basking Babies, LLC Owner
RN, BSN, IBCLC, ICD, ICPE, ICPD
Angela supports moms and families through birth, breastfeeding, baby, and beyond with over 30 years of experience. She provides Breastfeeding Education for Parents and Professionals and In-Home or Office Consultations. She also provides several other resources to expecting, new and seasoned mamas and their families.
•Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree
•International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
•International Certified Birth and Post-partum Doula
•International Certified Educator
Angela was newly awarded in 2015 for promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding with theBreastfeeding Anew class. Basking Babies joins an elite group of 9 other community-based organizations in the US granted this award. We are the only community organization to receive this honor in the state of Iowa.
Given by: The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and the International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) More information about the award and other recipients
Contact
Contact Angela for the birth, breastfeeding, baby and beyond help and support that you need!!
Facebook
[email protected]
515-210-1868
Her office location is at the Altoona Medicap at 950 28th Ave SW Altoona, Iowa 50009.
Please join us at our upcoming New & Expecting Moms Bloom Conference from 9am to noon on Saturday, September 19th, 2015 for an encouraging morning. Meet Angela and learn more about her services firsthand as well as connect with other new moms and community resources. Come for fun, food, giveaways and more!
Disclaimer: I received nursing support and personal consultation from Basking Babies, LLC in exchange for writing this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
