La Leche League of Skagit County

11/11/2024

La Leche League of Skagit County is currently inactive. If you are looking for resources, please see the La Leche League of Washington website (lllwa.org), and visit the Skagit Breastfeeding Coalition resources page (https://skagitbreastfeeding.org/resources/).

04/17/2023

Do you want to serve families in Skagit County? Come be a part of our team! https://perinatalsupport.org/join-our-team/

12/19/2022

You are not a milk factory. As you feed, your child's heart rate slows, their attachment hormones spike, their microbiome is nourished and their brain falls into a deep, restorative calm, much like adult brains do during meditation.⁠
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Suckling causes oxytocin release in both mother and child, promoting a felt sense of wellbeing, safety, love and contentment. ⁠
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Oxytocin lowers blood pressure and stress reactivity in mothers. In infants, oxytocin increases resilience to stress and drives the formation of more oxytocin receptors in the amygdala (for healthy social behaviour and a lowered risk for anxiety). ⁠
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Simultaneous oxytocin release, repeated over time, changes both mother and infant brains, in ways that underpin long term attachment and synchronicity. It literally rewires brains in favour of love and wellbeing.⁠
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You are not a milk factory.⁠ You are a retreat, a safe space, a perfect tonic.⁠
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You are laying the foundations of long term wellbeing with every feed. ⁠
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You are a hero.⁠

⁠incredible words by

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01/24/2021

Hurrah!! 🎉

AMHERST — UMass researchers have discovered COVID-19 antibodies in early breast milk, paving the way for further research on whether these antibodies can protect babies from the virus.The research, led by UMass doctoral student Vignesh Narayanaswamy,...

12/12/2020

La Leche League Leaders across the country are being asked the same question by families: “Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for those who are breastfeeding?”
From InfantRisk Center: “Similar to other medications, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women have not been included in studies to determine how well COVID-19 vaccines work or how safe they are. Based on what we understand from similar vaccines, we believe the risks that come with vaccination will probably be low. Therefore, while we wait for more information, each mother and provider should discuss what choice fits their situation best. The risk and benefit of the vaccine should be compared to each mother’s individual risk for getting COVID-19 as well as how well she is expected to tolerate the disease.”
Find more info and links to statements from ACOG, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, CDC, and more on our website's COVID-19 and Breastfeeding page: https://lllusa.org/coronavirus-and-breastfeeding/
La Leche League Leaders are parent volunteers and not health care professionals. While Leaders are not permitted to tell you if a medication is safe, they are able to provide information about medications and possible alternatives to help you make an informed decision. Find your local LLL Leader through our Find Help! zip code search tool on our website.
Find out more general info about medications and breastfeeding here: https://lllusa.org/medications-and-breastfeeding/
[Image: Illustration of coronavirus. Text: COVID-19 Vaccine and Breastfeeding]

11/05/2020

We miss our in person meetings and miss seeing you. Message/call us or utilize the support group! Be well, friends!

While some states, counties, and cities are reopening, in-person La Leche League meetings in the US remain suspended. LLL meetings are not spaces where social distancing guidelines can be followed.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. We especially value the efforts of local Leaders in continuing to offer nursing support remotely by phone and through virtual meetings. Find your local support at https://lllusa.org/locator/

08/27/2020

There is structural racism in healthcare, including in birthing and lactation. Black people and allies are working to change that, but we need to first recognize that it exists.

American Academy of Pediatrics: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827
[Image: Photo person nursing a baby. Text: In one study, African American infants were more than nine times more likely than white babies to be given formula in the hospital. Pediatrics, the Offfical Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012]

07/23/2020

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍

La Leche League is founded on the principle that nursing is easier when surrounded by people who support you. Who are your nursing buddies?
Remember that while LLL USA in-person meetings are suspended, there are sill ways to connect with other breastfeeding families. Check out your local LLL page or join a virtual meeting!
Max Pechstein, “Nährende Mütter” or “Nourishing Mothers”, 1926. Oil painting.
[Image: Painting of two people both nursing babies. Text: Breastfeeding is timeless.]

04/15/2020

Breast milk for the win!

03/28/2020

03/01/2020

CORONAVIRUS + BREASTFEEDING
Can you continue to breastfeed if you get coronavirus? Yes.
Those who become infected shortly before giving birth and then begin breastfeeding, and those who become infected while breastfeeding, will produce specific secretory IgA antibodies and many other critical immune factors in their milk to protect their nursing infants and enhance their infants’ own immune responses. At this time, these immunologic factors will aid their infants’ bodies to respond more effectively to exposure and infection. Following good hygiene practices will also help reduce transfer of the virus.
If someone who is breastfeeding becomes ill, it is important not to interrupt nursing. The baby has already been exposed to the virus and will benefit most from continued breastfeeding.

Find links to more information at: https://lllusa.org/coronavirus-and-breastfeeding/
[Image: Electron micrograph of infectious bronchitis virus. Text: Coronavirus + Breastfeeding]

02/05/2020

See you soon!