Meet Aemelia of Bellflower Lactation
Aemelia brings a unique blend of expertise and lived experience to her work. With a background in public health, maternal and child health, and pediatric nursing, she supports families through one of the most vulnerable seasons of life. She’s also a mother of three, including twins, which deeply informs her compassionate, realistic approach.
As an IBCLC and nurse practitioner, Aemelia cares for both mother and baby together—a rare and powerful model of care that allows her to balance feeding success with maternal well-being.
Why the Early Postpartum Period Is So Overwhelming?
Bringing a baby home is humbling, even for medical professionals. Sleep deprivation, recovery from birth, and the pressure to “get feeding right” can feel overwhelming. Aemelia emphasizes that this struggle is common—and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
One of the biggest gaps in postpartum care is support for the mother-baby dyad. While babies are closely monitored, moms are often left without enough care or guidance during recovery. This imbalance can lead to frustration, isolation, and unnecessary stress.
What’s Normal—and When to Seek Support
Some discomfort in the early days of breastfeeding can be normal as bodies adjust. However, Aemelia encourages families to reach out for help if they notice:
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Significant or unbearable pain during feeding
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Nipple damage, blisters, or recurrent clogged ducts
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Shallow latch or “nibbling” at the breast
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Poor weight gain or weight loss beyond expected norms
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Excessive fussiness or feeding that feels chaotic or exhausting
There is no such thing as reaching out too early. Prenatal consultations can be especially helpful for building a postpartum support plan before baby arrives.
The Role of Body Tension and Oral Function
Birth is a major physical event for both mother and baby. Tension patterns, head-turning preferences, oral restrictions, or tongue ties can all affect feeding. Aemelia focuses on function, not just appearance—looking at how baby’s body, mouth, and mom’s anatomy work together.
Sometimes small positional changes can make a huge difference. Other times, a more comprehensive plan is needed. The goal is always the same: the best outcome for the entire family.
Stress, Hormones, and Milk Letdown
Breastfeeding relies heavily on oxytocin—the bonding hormone. Stress, exhaustion, and emotional overload can interfere with milk letdown and feeding success. Supporting parents in meeting their basic needs—sleep, nourishment, emotional support—is essential.
That’s why partners play such an important role. Aemelia loves involving partners in visits, helping them find concrete ways to support mom and baby. Postpartum mental health matters for everyone, and both parents deserve care.
Feeding Is Important—Mental Health Is Essential
One of the most powerful messages Aemelia shares is this: breastfeeding is not the measure of good parenting. Sometimes the healthiest choice for a family is changing the feeding plan. Letting go of guilt, finding calm, and prioritizing mental health can be life-changing.
Healthy parents raise healthy children. Compassion, flexibility, and grace matter more than perfection.
Building Your Postpartum Team
Aemelia encourages families to think ahead:
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Who will support feeding if questions arise?
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Who will check in on mom’s recovery and mental health?
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Who can help lighten the load at home?
Even if you never need to call on that team, knowing it’s there can make all the difference.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit Bellflower Lactation online!
Dr. Madeline Klesk
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