Breastfeeding AnewBreastfeeding Anew began in 2013 and it is the only one of its kind in Central Iowa. In 2015 Angela was awarded an ICLA Care Award for her efforts to utilize research and her 30 years of experience to provide guidance to moms who have struggled with breastfeeding in the past and who desire a more positive experience breastfeeding their next baby. Angela shares evidenced-based recommendations (incorporating best practices from Speak UP) and tailors the class to meet the needs of those attending. This small and intimate group of no more than four moms allows for this individualization.
|
|
Testimonial from a mom-of-three who had not been able to breastfeed her first two children.
I had a breast reduction at 19, and then had incredibly unsuccessful breastfeeding experiences with my first two children. I wasn’t sure that there was much hope for me to be able to exclusively breastfeed…ever! I met with Angela while I was 25 weeks pregnant with our 3rd. She helped me come up with an incredibly detailed plan for pre-birth, while in the hospital, and for at home. She answered ALL my questions (and I had LOTS), listened to all my concerns and reassured me, and really gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed. I left the appointment feeling so uplifted and really felt I could do this! My daughter is now 16 days old and I haven’t had to supplement once! All the milk I pump goes into the freezer and I already have a nice stash building. None of this would have been possible without Angela’s help. I am so grateful to her for making my dream of exclusively breastfeeding become a reality for me. It's been incredibly healing for me after being so frustrated and disappointed with my first two attempts. I would encourage every mom to meet with Angela while pregnant to come up with a plan! It was great going into the hospital already know what I needed to do and how to go about it versus scrambling to figure it out afterwards.
Testimonial from a second-time mom who had a prenatal visit/plan-making session with Angela:
I just wanted to thank you again for what you do! I'm very encouraged that I'm going to be as ready as possible to attempt successful breast feeding of this second baby. Thank you for all the wonderful tips, and for making me feel so comfortable with whatever the outcome... I will be in touch once we are home and settled. And if I'm having any frustration or confusion I will be sure to call on you sooner! Thank you again for what you do, I know it's going to make my experience this time around better!
Testimonial from a second-time mom who had supply issues with her first child.
I want to share what a positive and encouraging session I had with Angela Bigler Swieter last week! This is my second child and given I had so many supply issues with my first I didn't want to be in the same boat with our new baby girl. Angela was so encouraging and focused on helping me with my breastfeeding journey. After all each of us have different needs and goals and I love that it is not a one fits all thing. I want to breastfeed more than anything but I cannot forget that I have a six year old little boy and a husband. Angela helped me come up with a plan that would work for our family. Thank you again for all your encouragement! I love that she works with you on what your breastfeeding journey is, not what someone elses!
Testimonial from a second-time mom who has insufficient glandular tissue
I have insufficient glandular tissue which makes it impossible for my body to produce the breast milk that he needs so we supplement with donated breast milk. Right now I am making about half of the milk he needs. I struggled to breast feed my first child not knowing what was the reason. I took tons of herbs, prescription pills (27 total pills per day to be exact) and lived on my pump only to produce a tiny amount. I mainly supplemented with her. That was my focus. I got consumed. I got mad at my baby and mad at myself because I had no idea why I could not do what most women could. We made it to 4 months before it got to be too much with returning to work full time I could just not keep up doing what i was doing. This time around things started off similar. I knew that I was not making what he needed I just had no idea how much I was making or even why I could not provide the milk my baby needed. I have wonderful friends that purchased me a gift certificate to see Angela of basking babies. She explained what was going on, Helped us with a plan and has encouraged us every step of the way and reminded me that even though I cannot make all of what he needs he is still getting some milk from his momma which means so much. It was a wonderful experience and because of her I can now see us breast feeding long term. I now use an SNS with every feeding to supplement. I do wish that it were easier and I could just latch baby on anywhere and feed him without needing extra supplies. It's not the easiest way to do things but I am very proud of myself that my baby has not had an artificial nipple. This is how I feed my baby.
Testimonial from a second-time mom who had low supply with her first child:
One year! One year! For those of you that have an idea of what I've gone through to make it this far, you will understand my elation. Breast feeding was never easy. With my first, I produced barely 40 percent on a good day of what he needed. This little guy (my second), he's had all momma milk! Thank God for Angela Bigler Swieter with Basking Babies. She worked with me through both kids. With this little guy, she helped establish good tissue, helped bring him into the world, and made his very first latch when I was too shaky to do it. It hasn't been easy... my medical problems that supply so challenging, tongue tie and lip tie, cst work, clogged ducts... I could go on. Plus, being a former low supply mom, there are mind games too. She's been there through all of it! Angela , you always have a special place in our hearts.
Posted on Basking Babies Facebook page by a Certified Nurse Midwife who worked with a mom of three.
Hello, all! I just accompanied one of my new post-partum moms to an appointment with Angela at her office in Altoona, Iowa - for support and instruction on getting that latch right! This is Sarah's 3rd baby and BFing in her first two babies was challenging - so Mom & Dad were nervous this time! The visit was very gratifying for Mom! - Dad relaxed as Mom relaxed, and baby relaxed, too! Oh My Goodness! It is wonderful to have Angela's practice available - and her passion and expertise are a gift! If only we could clone her and have lactation support like hers in every neighborhood! -Dana Ericson, CNM, MidwifeandDoula.com