Thrive Mama- Lauren Harrell | Prenatal Education + Lactation

✨ Did you know? ✨ Pushing on your back (aka the lithotomy position) is one of the WORST positions for birth and pushing—and it’s not about what’s best for mom or baby. Here’s why: 🚫 For You: • Greater pressure on the pelvic floor = more risk of damage. • Increased chance of tearing, including severe 3rd- or 4th-degree tears. 🚫 For Baby: • Lying flat can compress the vena cava and abdominal aorta, reducing blood flow to the uterus and placenta—causing fetal distress. So, why is this still so common? This position was historically chosen for provider convenience, giving them a clear view during delivery. But what’s convenient for them isn’t necessarily safe or effective for you or your baby. Fun fact: it takes about 17 YEARS for medical research to be fully IMPLEMENTED into practice. So no, what is protocol may not always be what is best. 💡 What can you do? If you have an epidural, you’re not stuck! Turning onto your side can improve blood flow, reduce strain, and lead to better outcomes. My goal is to empower you with the tools and education to make informed decisions about your birth. The more you know the better your outcomes can be. #EmpoweredBirth #ChildbirthEducation #PregnancyTips #BirthFacts #TheMoreYouKnow #ThriveMama #PregnancyJourney #BirthSupport #LaborAndDelivery #BirthEducation #NaturalBirth #InformedConsent #PregnantAndThriving #DoulaSupport #BirthPlan #BabyOnTheWay #MamaToBe #PregnancyEmpowerment #ThrivingInMotherhood

Fever ≠ Emergency! Here’s when to head to the doctor—and when to stay calm. ✨ ➡️ False alarms about fevers: • “Low-grade temp” (FYI: Fevers start at 100.4°F there’s no such thing as a low grade fever) • Your child won’t eat (fluids are the priority). • A fever over 104°F automatically means ER (context matters not just the number). • “Brain damage from a high fever” (this is a myth). • Sleepy with a fever (it’s normal to be tired when sick). • A fever that “won’t break” (it’s the body fighting infection- many fevers don’t break even with meds). ➡️ True reasons to see a doctor: • Baby under 3 months with any fever (100.4°F or more). • Fever lasting 5+ days. • Child is lethargic or unarousable with a fever. • Fever in an immunocompromised child. • Signs of dehydration (no wet diapers, dry mouth, or no tears when crying or an infant who want feed) Always trust your gut. 💕 If something feels off—even if your child doesn’t “fit the criteria”—it’s okay to get them checked. You know your baby best! Drop your questions about fever management below 👇 or share this with a friend who needs the reminder! #ParentingTips #Fever101 #ChildhoodIllness #TrustYourInstincts #ThriveMama #MomLife #PediatricCare #FeverManagement #MotherhoodUnplugged #ParentingHacks #HealthyKids #ChildHealth #ParentingCommunity #BabyHealth #ToddlerTips #NewMomTips #MomSupport #ChildhoodIllnessManagement #MamaKnowsBest #KidsHealthTips

This week’s expert speaker for the December Newborn Series is Lauren Harrell of @thethrivemama! Lauren is a certified lactation counselor and will be speaking on feeding baby - bottle and breast. Mom League has teamed up with @thethrivemama to host her prenatal series in our space! Lauren’s knowledge of perinatal care goes way beyond lactation. She’s a pediatric nurse as well! Her series is the perfect prequel to the Newborn Series! We can’t wait to hear from Lauren today!

How do I sleep? Knowing that I’m helping women achieve better birth and breastfeeding outcomes by providing the evidence-based education they may not get elsewhere—I sleep like a baby! When women don’t have access to all the information, it can lead to disappointing or even traumatic experiences in birth and breastfeeding. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Knowledge is power, and when women truly understand their options, they can make informed decisions and advocate for the care they deserve. I’m here to put birth and breastfeeding back into the hands of women—one mama at a time. ☺️ 💡 Ready to feel empowered and avoid unnecessary disappointment and interventions? Join our Thriving in Motherhood Class Series and gain the education and tools you need to make confident, evidence-based decisions for your birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum journey. ✨ We alsooffer virtual class options, so no matter where you are, you can get the right education to thrive in motherhood. 📅DM me or visit our website to join our January Class Series! Series runs 4 Mondays in a row (1/6,1/13,1/20,1/27) #BirthEducation #BreastfeedingSupport #EmpoweredMotherhood #EvidenceBasedCare #InformedDecisions #PositiveBirthExperience #PostpartumSupport #BreastfeedingJourney #VirtualClasses #NewMomSupport #BirthSupport #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ThrivingInMotherhood #MomLife #DoulaSupport #ChildbirthEducation

Can you really do a virtual lactation consultation? YES! 🙌 Virtual consultations are highly effective, and here’s how I help moms: 💡 I use tools like a baby doll and demo breast to guide you. 🎥 I’ll walk you through camera positioning and angles to see baby’s latch clearly 🖐️ I’ll show you hand placement, latch techniques, and tricks like hand expression. 👅 If there’s a concern about baby’s anatomy I guide you in doing an oral exam at home and help analyze the results. Virtual consults are convenient, time-saving, and can provide quick answers to urgent concerns. They can be just what you need to thrive in breastfeeding—no matter where you are! 💕 #BreastfeedingJourney #VirtualLactationConsultation #LactationSupport #BreastfeedingHelp #MomLife #NewMom #BabyFeeding #BreastfeedingTips #BreastfeedingMom #LactationConsultant #ThriveMama

🫣Did you know that supplementing with formula can unintentionally lead to a cycle of low milk supply? Here’s how it works: 💡 When you supplement without pumping, your body doesn’t get the signal to make more milk. Over time, this can cause your milk supply to decrease further, leading to more supplementation and milk supply decreasing further —a frustrating cycle for moms who want to exclusively breastfeed. It’s important to note that if you are having to supplement and your goal is to exclusively breast-feed, for best results, you need to be working with a lactation consultant for guidance. But here’s the good news: With the right guidance, this cycle can be broken! 🌟 Tips for Success: • If you’re supplementing, pump whenever baby gets that supplementation to stimulate milk production. • Seek help from a lactation consultant for personalized support. We can help you identify why supplementation was needed and how to get back to exclusive breastfeeding if that’s your goal. Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Support is available, I’m here to help you, and your goals matter! ❤️.Share this to help other moms who need to hear it! #BreastfeedingTips #LactationSupport #BreastfeedingJourney #ThriveMama #TheMoreYouKnow #NewMomSupport #MilkSupply #BreastfeedingEducation #MomLife #ExclusivelyBreastfeeding #LactationConsultant #MotherhoodJourney #BreastfeedingTips #LactationSupport #BreastfeedingJourney #ThriveMama #TheMoreYouKnow #NewMomSupport #MilkSupply #BreastfeedingEducation #MomLife #ExclusivelyBreastfeeding #LactationConsultant #MotherhoodJourney

✨ What if I told you that staying active during pregnancy could help you avoid complications and make labor easier? 🤯 💡 Studies show that regular exercise can lower your risk of preeclampsia and high blood pressure by 40% reduce the chances of a C-section by 25%, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by 30% and even speed up your postpartum recovery. Plus, it boosts energy, improves sleep, and strengthens your body for the big day! 💪 Your baby (and your body) will thank you! What’s your favorite way to stay active while pregnant? Let me know below! 👇 #FitPregnancy #LaborPrep #PregnancyWellness #PregnancyFitness #GestationalDiabetes #HealthyPregnancy #BirthPrep #PregnancyWellness #EmpoweredMama #LaborPrep #StrongMoms #FitPregnancyJourney

POV: He took the birth class and became your ultimate labor support. 💪 He knew how to ease your pain, cheer you on, and advocate for your needs. The result? An incredible, empowered birth experience for BOTH of you. 🌟 Here’s the truth: Most partners want to help but hesitate because they fear doing something wrong. That’s why our Empowered Birth Class is designed to teach both of you what to expect and how to navigate labor together. This is his birth experience too—he deserves to feel confident, connected, and capable. Let’s give him the tools to play an active role in the most transformative day of your lives! 💥 Bonus: The class is on sale today! Sounds like a win-win to me. #ToExpandMyReachForPregnancyBirthPostpartumLaborLaborPrepChildbirthEducationLaborEducation #EmpoweredBirth #BirthSupport #TeamBirth #PregnancyJourney #PartnerInLabor

Cyber Monday Sale—Our BIGGEST Sale of the Year! 🎉 Take advantage of these exclusive deals: ✨ 20% OFF our Lactation Package ✨ 20% OFF our Thriving in Motherhood Class Series ✨ PLUS a FREE mini lactation consultation with the purchase of ANY class! ⏳ This sale runs Monday 7:00am until midnight! This is the biggest discount we’ll offer all year!!! and spots are LIMITED! DM if you want to secure your spot before our sale goes live on Monday. 📍 My services are offered virtually and in-person, so no matter where you are, so you can access our prenatal education and the lactation support you need! 🎁 Know a mom you’d love to gift this to? We also offer gift cards! Send me a DM if you’re interested in gifting this to a mama you know. 📅 Sale goes live Monday at 7:00 am! Share this with an expecting or new mama! #CyberMondayDeals #ThriveMama #MotherhoodSupport #LactationConsultant #PregnancySupport #PostpartumJourney #BreastfeedingHelp #EmpoweredBirth #NewbornCare #MomLifeSupport #VirtualSupportForMoms #InPersonSupport #MotherhoodEmpowerment #GiftForMoms

There were days in the beginning when I felt like I couldn’t do it—2 hour feeding cycles, sleepless nights, and the overwhelming emotions of new motherhood. It’s normal to doubt yourself and your abilities. But here we are, almost a year later, and breastfeeding is still going strong 💕 Breastfeeding is like climbing a mountain at times, it feels like you can’t take another step. But with every ounce of effort, you grow stronger, overcome obstacles, and reach heights you never thought possible. The journey may test you, but the view from the top—the bond, the nourishment, the connection—is breathtaking and worth every moment. 🏔️ 🥹💕If you’re in the thick of it, mama, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it alone. 💗 Tag a mama who might need this reminder today! We all need to be told we are doing a good job. 🫶 #BreastfeedingJourney #MotherhoodUnplugged #NewbornLife #PostpartumSupport #BreastfeedingSupport #MamaYouGotThis #ThriveMama #EmpoweredMotherhood #LactationConsultant #NewMomLife #MomAndBaby #NormalizeBreastfeeding #PostpartumJourney #MotherhoodMoments #BreastfeedingHelp #BreastfeedingMama #MamasSupportingMamas

Sore nipples while breastfeeding? Let’s talk about Silverettes! 💡 ✨ Made of pure silver, these little lifesavers are designed to: • Heal sore or cracked nipples naturally—no creams needed! • Soothe irritation caused by breastfeeding or pumping. • Keep you focused on what matters most—feeding your baby! How to use: Just place the Silverette cups over your nipples under your bra, and let silver’s natural properties do the rest. 💕 Breastfeeding doesn’t have to hurt! Save this tip for later, or reach out if you need extra support. #Silverettes #BreastfeedingSupport #NewMomTips #NippleHealing #PostpartumJourney #ThriveMama #BreastfeedingHelp

Feeling overwhelmed for labor, birth, breastfeeding or postpartum? You’ve found the right account! 👋 I help moms navigate every step of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breast-feeding so that they can have a more enjoyable experience with their baby! • Stop feeling overwhelmed by Google searches—we simplify it all for you. • Learn to navigate labor and birth confidently, know all of your options, no matter what comes your way. • Prepare for postpartum recovery and newborn care like a pro. • Get the personalized breastfeeding support you need! ✨ These are HUGE life changes. Having someone in your corner as a resource for all things pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and even once your baby is here can make ALL THE DIFFERENCE. ❤️ I love supporting moms through all these stages, offering peace of mind for questions and concerns. Our prenatal classes help you to be ready for every step of motherhood.🫶 I can’t wait to connect with you!💕 #PrenatalClass #EmpoweredBirth #PostpartumSupport #NewMomJourney #PregnancyEducation #ThrivingInMotherhood #ThriveMama #WinstonSalemMoms #PregnancyPreparation