Authored by: Autumn Green
The first bond between mother and baby often begins with skin-to-skin contact. These early moments form the building blocks of connection. But when they don’t unfold as expected, that bond can feel harder to hold onto.
Natalie helps families start their bonding journey
For many new parents, feeding their baby feels natural. In theory. In practice, however, it can be far more complicated. It can be overwhelming—even scary.
Medela products when needed before leaving hospital. In some circumstances, they may be provided to families who otherwise face financial barriers to accessing the equipment they need when navigating feeding challenges.
“Our goal is to ensure patients have the support they need, in and out of hospital,” said Natalie.
New mothers leave the hospital feeling more prepared to care for their baby. Natalie shared that seeing them leave with confidence and ready for this important chapter of their life has reaffirmed her decision in becoming a Lactation Consultant.
Feeding challenges aren’t the only unexpected hurdle families can encounter. Sometimes, separation is a whole different beast.
“Our goal is to ensure patients have the support they need, in and out of hospital,” said Natalie.
Sense of smell is a powerful tool, especially when the unexpected happens
When a baby requires specialized care in the Special Care Nursery (SCN), parents may not be able to be as physically close to them as they like.
That’s where a simple but meaningful tool helps preserve connection between baby and parent: Scented Hearts.
A baby’s sense of smell begins developing as early as 10 weeks while in the womb. By the time they are born, it is fully developed, enabling them to identify their parent and breastmilk through smell. These familiar scents are calming, helping to lower their stress and guide them towards feeding.
Jerilyn Fisher, Registered Nurse in the Special Care Nursery championed the return of Scented Hearts as a way for families to stay connected during difficult circumstances.
“The scented hearts are really well received and can have a positive impact when we use them,” Jerilyn said.
It works with one heart staying with the baby, and the other going home with mom. When they are reunited, the hearts are swapped, carrying a familiar scent back and forth between them.
Connection looks different for every family
For Natalie, supporting that early connection isn’t only about scented hearts or feeding. Her journey as a Lactation Consultant has taught her to become more patient and an empathetic listener.
Scented hearts may be simple, just as the feeding tools and support Natalie provides can sometimes be simple. But the goal remains the same: meet families where they are and help them build confidence in themselves.
“Every case is individualized,” said Natalie. “If I can support, protect, and promote breastfeeding [or] breastmilk in any capacity, it’s a win.”