“It’s not just about having a chunky baby.” - Simeca Alexander Williamson

In this episode, Simeca goes solo to discuss a recent case (within the last six months of the episode’s publication) of a ‘failure to thrive’ experience.

She starts by explaining to listeners what ‘failure to thrive’ means in the world of breastfeeding. Where she mentions growth charts for babies and the expected path to progression in terms of weight gain.

Simeca mentions including diagrams to illustrate the growth charts. However, Spotify doesn’t allow us to share diagrams. So, our quick fix is to direct you to a growth chart resource. You may head to the following link to access it: Using WHO Growth Standard Charts | Growth Chart Training | CDC

Simeca then proceeds to break the case down into manageable bits and pieces that are digestible for the audience. The mom in this case is a second-time mother whose baby had a tongue tie and was not gaining weight after six weeks.

This episode highlights some key concerns and steps to address the issues:

• Signs to look out for in a potential ‘failure to thrive’ baby

• Postpartum fog

• Positioning (the correct baby hold) - Pace bottle feeding

• Increasing milk supply

• Fast flow bottle usage versus slower flow bottles with a gradual slope or the breast

• Flanging

• Identifying progressive suckling (nutritive sucks vs non nutritive sucks)

• The ‘fine line’ between misguided suggestions from the paediatricians and OBGYN vs correct guidance from lactation consultant

• The importance of following up with your lactation consultant in good time

The hope here is that newborn mothers, other interested parties, and even students preparing to enter the breastfeeding world will be educated based on Simeca’s experience and actions. They will be able to note key points and apply them to their own experiences.

Good News! Simeca shared, “I spoke with mommy about a week ago and the baby was now at 3.3 kg compared to just a .2kg in a six week period. So I am very excited about that! Of course, follow up has to be done with the paediatrician and it’s more ideal when [we - paediatrician and I] can speak with each other just in case we have technical terms [that need clarification]. It’s better when it’s a wholesome and integrated approach in terms of health; especially in a specific case like ‘failure to thrive’.

Simeca handles this case and many others on a daily basis with her clients. A major point to note is that all pregnancies are different, and as such, all breastfeeding journeys are different. As Cradle of Life’s chief lactation consultant, Simeca has the experience, skills, and tools to help mothers and their newborns along their breastfeeding journey, despite the challenges that may present themselves.

You may connect with and contact her via the website, https://cradleoflifeltd.com/ to book a consultation with her.